Pippo Inzaghi congratulated Stephan El Shaarawy on his anger at being dropped, as Milan visit their bête noir Verona.
It kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Pippo Inzaghi congratulated Stephan El Shaarawy on his anger at being dropped, as Milan visit their bête noir Verona.
It kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Rossoneri had a tense last few days, as El Shaarawy confessed he was “annoyed” at being left on the bench.
“I would’ve been angry if he’d said he was happy to be left out,” replied Inzaghi in a Press conference.
“We heard his words and they were respectful, he simply manifested how much he wants to play. He shows all that in training and on the field.
“It’s normal to be annoyed at sitting on the bench and it fuels them to try even harder in training, which is what I watch out for. The media created the ‘El Shaarawy controversy,’ as the truth is he’s reacting the way I used to.”
El Shaarawy may well be benched again on Sunday, as Jeremy Menez, Giacomo Bonaventura, Marco van Ginkel and Diego Lopez are back, while Nigel de Jong is suspended.
“We’ll see if two or one of them are in the starting XI. I’ll have to run some fitness tests tomorrow morning, as they have been out for 10 days and it’s a struggle to play 90 minutes. Michael Essien is ready to replace De Jong in the best way, as he is a great professional.
“The team comes before any individual. I will never put up with the wrong attitude, as that will be punished straight away. If someone wants to go out to play more regularly in January, then we’ll give them that opportunity.”
Milan face a difficult trip to Verona, who are still fighting for European places and have been a real bête noir for the Rossoneri over the years.
“I am calm, although Verona on home turf and a frightening prospect. They played on a par with Roma and the only reason they didn’t go in front in that game was Morgan De Sanctis.
“Luca Toni has already scored enough goals against Milan, so he can stop now! I do wish him all the best from Monday onwards, as he is a friend and a professional.
“Verona have Toni in the centre-forward role, try to play their football and can use three at the back, but regardless of their approach we will not change ours. I want the same attacking momentum as seen in recent games.
“Andrea Mandorlini said I jumped the queue to become a Coach? I think I am merely fortunate to coach a team that I love. I respect Mandorlini and compliment him on his achievements, as this Verona can do even better than last season.”