Stefano Pioli confirms that Davide Calabria and Ante Rebic are not available against Fiorentina and insists ‘it’s not the right time’ to talk about his contract extension.
The Serie A table leaders visit Fiorentina’s Artemio Franchi tomorrow.
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time.
Stefano Pioli must cope without Davide Calabria and Ante Rebic.
The Italian defender had sustained a calf strain while on international duty with Italy, while Rebic picked up an injury during this morning’s training session at Milanello.
“I am sorry for Calabria, it’s bad news because we have a packed fixture list,” Pioli said at a press conference.
“He will miss a few games, he was feeling well. It’s a pity, but these things happen.
“Rebic felt a twinge today and won’t be available tomorrow.”
Rafael Leao will replace Rebic as a left-winger, while Pierre Kalulu or Alessandro Florenzi will play at right-back.
Junior Messias has returned to group training and will travel with the team to Florence.
“He is feeling better and I am happy with his return,” Pioli confirmed.
“He is showing interesting things, he is not 100% fit, but he can already give us something important.”
Pioli’s contract with Milan runs out in the summer and even Italian media suggest he is close to signing an extension with the Diavoli. However, the Italian tactician refused to provide updates over his future at the club.
“It’s not the right time to take about it, you will know more at the right moment. We only think about the game.”
Fiorentina are also dealing with an injury crisis with Matija Nastasic injured, Nikola Milenkovic and Martinez Quarta suspended.
“I am always wary of teams that seem to be in difficulty due to absences, it happened to us and we have always found more energy,” said Pioli.
“Fiorentina are a strong opponent with a clear identity.
“We want to control every game, and we must be able to make the most of every chance we create.
“Vincenzo Italiano has always done well in his career. He is an excellent coach. He is young and with clear ideas. He is giving an identity to Fiorentina,” the coach continued.
“I was younger when I was at Fiorentina. To me, it will never be a regular game also because of Davide Astori’s remembrance.”
Pioli was in charge of the Tuscans when the defender died in his sleep on March 2018, aged 31.
Jesus tap dancing Christ. I get the feeling if Ronaldo went to Milan he would suddenly get an injury and be out for 3 months.
Omg please don’t pick Florenzi
Milan is cursed with injuries