Inter Milan chiefs REJECTED Stefano Pioli's resignation in the aftermath of Saturday's 5-4 defeat to Fiorentina.

Pioli and Inter directors met for an hour immediately after the final whistle, where the coach offered to resign, reports Corriere dello Sport.

Those directors attending the summit, however, refused to accept Pioli's gesture and instead reaffirmed their confidence in him.

Suning management want Pioli to remain in charge to the end of the season - if not longer.

And AC Milan's defeat to Empoli yesterday keeps Inter's hopes of qualifying for Europe alive.