Stefano Pioli will field ‘many offensive players’ against Liverpool and believes that coping with their pressing will be the key to winning the game.
Tomorrow, the Rossoneri host Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at San Siro in their last Champions League group stage game.
The Rossoneri must win and hope Atletico Madrid and Porto draw at the Estadio Do Dragao to book their place for the last 16 stage.
“We played many important games before, and there will be more in the future, we have prepared every detail for this match,” Pioli ensured during his pre-match press conference.
“Milan must be strong because we’ll face a team that can win the Champions League.”
The Serie A giants will be without several key players, especially in attack.
Ante Rebic and Olivier Giroud missed the last few games and Rafael Leao has joined them on the sidelines with an adductor injury sustained against Salernitana over the weekend.
Samu Castillejo and Pietro Pellegri are also out of action, although they are not regular starters.
“Zlatan is not the only striker we have, the more we are unpredictable, the more trouble we can create,” said Pioli.
“We are ready, the fans will be there to motivate us. There are all the conditions to do well.
“We are working on muscle injuries, we are playing many games and this could be a motivation.
“We must grit our teeth and get the maximum that we can until December 22. Then the situation will improve.”
The Reds beat the Rossoneri 3-2 in the reverse fixture, so how can Milan take all three points this time?
“Liverpool will press high up the pitch, but we know them well and if we get out of their press, we can create important opportunities,” explained Pioli.
“We must have many offensive players without giving them any reference point. Krunic, Diaz, Messias have the qualities to play between the lines and attack the space.
“Imagine a defensive line that doesn’t know who to mark. That’s a situation that we must use.
“It’s useful to play these games. We’ll need sacrifice and commitment.”
Anything can happen tomorrow. The Rossoneri, who can qualify for the Champions League last 16, be eliminated from Europe or finish third and play in the Europa League from February.
“Milan must be competitive in Italy and Europe,” said Pioli.
“We’ll play in Europa League in the best way if we finish third, but what matters now is tomorrow. We want to face one of the best teams in the world to understand our level.”