Stefano Pioli warns Milan ‘have one possibility’ to continue in the Champions League and that is to beat Newcastle United, but is concerned at how the Magpies change on home turf.
It kicks off at St. James’ Park on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT.
The Rossoneri need a victory to at least take third place, then for PSG to suffer a defeat away to Borussia Dortmund in order to also secure qualification for the Round of 16.
“It is a final for us, the first real crossroads of the season, in the sense that remaining in Europe is our objective,” Pioli told Milan TV.
“We have one possibility, which is to win and not look too much at what the others do. We are concentrated on achieving that target, so the motivation, focus, concentration and determination of the squad will be at the maximum.
“It is clear that the Champions League enhances all the characteristics of our preparation, concentration, hunger to do well on a stage like this. Clearly, the atmosphere affects us. It is equally clear that we have just one chance and we are focused on that.”
Newcastle United were largely dominated at San Siro, but held out for a 0-0 draw, and put themselves in the running largely thanks to a 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain and 1-1 draw at Parc des Princes.
“They are among the opponents who change the most for their attitude, intensity, energy and quality of performance at home compared to on their travels,” continued Pioli.
“Their only home defeat in the Champions League was against Borussia Dortmund, and just once all season in the Premier League with Liverpool.
“We expect a fiery atmosphere, an energetic opponent, intense, physical above all in their approach to the game. We must be prepared to face this time of team and know that we need a performance of a high level.”
There are several former Premier League players in the Milan squad and all three could start tomorrow.
“As soon as we got Newcastle in the draw last summer, Fikayo Tomori, Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek said this is the most passionate, fiery and energetic stadium in the whole of the Premier League. We already experienced stadiums like Anfield, Tottenham’s stadium and Stamford Bridge.
“We saw that situations above all want to provoke at the start of the game and in which direction they want to take the match. We must be prepared to play a great game, because we have a big opportunity and must do everything to bring it home.”
The good news for the Rossoneri is that Rafael Leao and Noah Okafor are both back in the squad.