Stefano Pioli has declared himself pleased with Lazio's performance after watching his side lose 2-0 to Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana.

The Serie A champions came out on top in Shanghai thanks to goals from summer signings Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala, but Pioli refused to be critical of his side when reflecting on the defeat in the Italian season's curtain raiser.

"The match was always in balance, even though we knew from the beginning that it would be a difficult test," he told reporters. "I saw the Lazio I know, a team with great spirit and big heart.

"I am confident about our future. The pitch did not allow us to play a fast game.

"We played against strong opponents. They play with intensity and quality, but we can also have our say this season."

Lazio will now turn their focus to the Champions League qualifier against Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the first leg on August 18.