Paolo Maldini sees something ‘symbolic’ in Milan having the decisive match against Atalanta, in an arena where they were beaten 5-0 in December 2019.
It kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Paolo Maldini sees something ‘symbolic’ in Milan having the decisive match against Atalanta, in an arena where they were beaten 5-0 in December 2019.
It kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“We had the chance to close it early, but symbolically this is certainly the start and end of a journey over 15 months,” Maldini told Sky Sport Italia after the 0-0 draw with Cagliari.
“Once we have a better idea of where the team will finish, we’ll be able to discuss things more. The club asked for many things and I think we met almost all those targets.
“The Champions League was not a request, but certainly something we are hoping for.”
Milan have tended to step up for the really big games this season and Atalanta is certainly a huge test.
“The good, and less good, thing about having a younger team is that they can really surprise you. A team that wants to become truly strong must be stable and that is something we’re still working on.”
There were thousands of fans cheering on the team as they left for the short trip to Bergamo.
“With the fans, I think we’d have had 60,000 or 70,000 fans. The poor results we had at home throughout the second half of the season would perhaps have been different.”
With the final question, Maldini was asked if he genuinely believes Milan can qualify for the Champions League.
“Of course! We achieved so much to get here and it’s in our hands, so that is the message we need to pass on to the lads.”