Paolo Maldini believes Milan have more to give in the Champions League, has ‘growing’ confidence over Rafael Leao’s contract and takes another swipe at Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti.
It kicks off at the Stadio Meazza at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The Rossoneri crushed their rivals 4-0 at the Stadio Maradona in Serie A on April 2 and will be back there for the second leg of this quarter-final on April 18, but this is a very different tournament and situation, even if Stefano Pioli has picked the same starting XI.
“The atmosphere is magical, we hadn’t experienced it here for a few years and are super happy,” Maldini told Mediaset Infinity.
“We are proud of our journey, but also hope to keep going and add more dreams to our fans. The Serie A meeting allowed us to get back on to a level we had drifted from in the last three months, but then this is a different tournament with different players and motivation.
“Dreams are part of Milan’s identity, we have a team that has not yet expressed itself to the full potential, as it is young and in future these players must experience these moments again.”
The question in every interview with the Rossoneri directors has to do with progress on Rafael Leao’s contract renegotiations, with a deal that is due to expire in June 2024.
“Our confidence is growing, but this is not the right day to discuss this. We are on the same path, Leao and us, so we have a common objective.
“Leao is a decisive player, he proved it in Naples and last season, perhaps only in fits and starts this term. Consistency is his problem, but he has improved in leaps and bounds since he first arrived here. Along with Kvaratskhelia, Leao is perhaps the only player who can really change the game.”
Maldini shrugged off questions about his altercation with Napoli coach Spalletti in the tunnel at half-time during that 4-0 win.
“I don’t want to comment on it. He already has and, for my tastes, did so by talking a bit too much about it.”
Spalletti had heaped praise upon Maldini in yesterday’s press conference, confessing he’d asked him to work together at Zenit St Petersburg several years ago.