Pippo Inzaghi admits he’d rather face Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus later in the season, but says whilst Milan ‘have nothing to lose’, they aren’t already beaten.
Pippo Inzaghi admits he’d rather face Juventus later in the season, but says whilst Milan ‘have nothing to lose’, they aren’t already beaten.
The Rossoneri host the Bianconeri at San Siro on Saturday evening for a Week 3 clash between two sides currently on maximum points.
Despite the equal records heading into this encounter, Milan’s Coach has looked to make clear who the favourites are.
“Tomorrow will be a great game, I am happy for my team. We can play having little to lose,” Inzaghi has told reporters in today’s pre-match Press conference.
“We know of their strength, but we have the advantage of playing at San Siro, the fans can help us. We will need to play the classic perfect match and we will give it our all.”
It was put to Inzaghi that Milan’s experience and his in having already faced this Juventus in pre-season would be an advantage.
“In the Trofeo TIM we played them at our maximum. I do not know if it is an advantage because that was a particular tournament.
“We played with great spirit, a true team, and that should be our strength.
“I look at the growth of my team and say that perhaps it would be better to deal with them in a few months, when we could have a greater certainty.
“Juve are stronger, they have not conceded a goal since April 28. We do not know how far behind Juve we are, but we do know where we have started from.
“We cannot expect to be at their level, but in a single game a lot can happen. We know of their strength, but we do not go out there already beaten.
“We will play 11 against 11 to the best of our ability, hoping to grow further. Again, San Siro with the crowd can help us to do our work.”
In the Diavolo’s 11, though, uncertainty surrounds the four at the back.
“The team is calm, the results give us confidence. To improve the defence we must all work, but after two games we cannot be perfect. We have to be happy with what we have done – there are issues to be resolved, it is normal that there are flaws.
“We know where we have started from, I repeated, and I know that we need to improve.”
In attack, the options are improved.
“In every department I am spoilt for choice. I have seven strikers and I will evaluate after each match who will be best.
“Today my staff will assess who the right players will be to put in against Juve – having abundance is definitely better because people can also do very well from the bench.”
Two of those options may be back from respective ankle injuries – Stephan El Shaarawy and Fernando Torres.
“Torres wanted to recover in time for Parma, and up to 7pm was aiming to get on the bench, but we decided not to risk it.
“I see both him and El Shaarawy as motivated and very well, I will decide in the end.”
At the other end, speculation is on how Inzaghi will stop Carlos Tevez in particular – it is seen that he is preparing Nigel de Jong to mark the Argentine.
“I know of the importance of De Jong and I am not surprised. We are making special arrangements, with humility we study our opponents and try to find the right countermeasures.
“We will try to give the team as much certainty as possible, we must try to stand up to Juventus, it would be incredibly important for morale.
“I will look at the result, but I will also give importance to what I want to see on the field, the improvement of the team. The game comes at a good moment, we are focused, San Siro will be full and it will be the best for any player.”
Adriano Galliani revealed in an interview today that Milan did consider Antonio Conte this summer, before turning to Inzaghi – the Vice-President also compared the two Coaches.
“It is normal that Milan have thought of Conte, as he has been the best Coach of the past few years.
“Knowing Antonio, I know that there are certain things we have in common, such as those of values, principles and rules.”
And then Silvio Berlusconi was quoted as saying Milan under this Coach can aim for the Scudetto.
“I do not know if we can win, I am just focused on the development. We have to be realistic. I am convinced that this team can do better.
“I have looked to restore the values of the DNA of Milan – after a few months I can assure you that the team has received the message.
“I am not sure if we will contend right away, but Milan must always be ambitious – by the end of December we will be able to draw our first conclusions.”
This weekend pits Inzaghi against former Milan Coach Max Allegri – the two notably rowed during the final months of Allegri’s term at San Siro.
“No, it is Milan against Juventus. There have been misunderstandings in the past but they have been clarified.
“Let’s enjoy the match in a full San Siro.”