Paolo Maldini assures Milan are ‘prepared to defend’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic if he is accused of racism, while Fikayo Tomori ‘hasn’t played enough’ in his career.
The game with Bologna kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
The Rossoneri were crowned Winter Champions, but have lost their last two games between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Paolo Maldini assures Milan are ‘prepared to defend’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic if he is accused of racism, while Fikayo Tomori ‘hasn’t played enough’ in his career.
The game with Bologna kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
The Rossoneri were crowned Winter Champions, but have lost their last two games between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
The defeat to Inter was dominated by the ugly row between Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku, which is now subject to an investigation.
“I am very instinctive and always have been. I have the image of a balanced man, and I suppose I am. With regards the derby, it was an ugly incident, it went on really for too long, but it ends there,” the former captain and current director told Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ll see how it goes. If someone tries to pull racism into this, then we are prepared to defend our player, because racism has nothing to do with Ibra.
“The player apologised to the team for leaving them down to 10 men. Lukaku was attacking his teammates for no reason, so he stood up for them.
“What happened was that it went on for far too long and it should’ve been closed much earlier. I don’t expect anything other than for him to be Ibra, and his statistics have been exceptional.
“This is a player who is eager, hungry and determined.”
Maldini was asked about Gianluigi Donnarumma’s contract, which is due to expire in June.
“We froze negotiations for renewals until after the transfer window has shut. We have been protagonists in this window, the club allowed us to bring in players, we stayed within the budget set, we should be grateful and now have a squad capable of going all the way this season.
“We have a stronger squad now, we feel more aware of our capabilities and are not feeling the pressure. I always said, if we don’t win the Scudetto, that won’t be a failure. It’ll only be a setback if we are in a position to challenge for the title in the last 10 rounds and don’t even try, because that would show a lack of ambition.”
What result would make Maldini happy in the second half of the season?
“To get as many points as we did in the first half.”
Among the new signings is Tomori, who makes his full debut this afternoon against Bologna after the loan with option to buy from Chelsea.
“Tomori is a player who can make the difference, because he is very physical and can both defend and attack with the four-man defence.
“Football is now more of a one-on-one situation, but I believe we must never lose the concept of a team unit defending. I think his characteristics combine the two.
“I believe the main problem with Tomori is that he hasn’t played enough so far in his career.”
Maldini’s son Daniel is in the Milan squad and had been linked with a loan move, but is remaining at San Siro.
“Lorenzo Colombo went to Cremonese, naturally on loan, because we believe in him. I’ve not been asked about Daniel. It’s a perfectly normal situation for a director, even if it means deciding the future of your own son.
“I knew full well when I accepted this position that I’d have to deal with this situation. I already negotiated a contract renewal and there should be no shame in rewarding a young lad who deserves it.
“My father accompanied me to my first contract negotiations, so I do know what it’s like and the balance one has to keep.”