Stefano Pioli feels it’s a ‘different story’ for Milan as they gear up for the Europa League quarterfinals with Daniele De Rossi’s Roma.
The Rossoneri will face off against the Giallorossi at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Thursday evening at 20.00 UK time before playing out the return leg at the Stadio Olimpico on April 18th at the same time, their first cup meeting in almost two decades.
The Europa League quarterfinal tie carries an extra weight for both Pioli and De Rossi, with the former fighting to prove himself yet again at Milan whilst the latter looks to earn himself a new long-term contract after a shining start in Serie A.
Pioli on Milan moment and Roma changes
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Pioli first discussed his thoughts ahead of Milan’s Europa League clash with Roma.
“It’s a different story, it’s a different competition. We know the difficulties in facing an opponent who are very good, who produce excellent football, but we come to this challenge well and we’llput our qualities on the pitch.
“Roma changed with the arrival of De Rossi, we didn’t review the direct clashes in the league but we focused on the new concepts and new positions that De Rossi transmitted to the team.
“For us it’s a good moment, certainly. The team are well and face the decisive moment of the season in the right way. It will be a 180-minute challenge, but tomorrow evening we must try to bring home something positive.”
He touched on the high level in the Europa League knockout stages this term.
“In the end, teams of the highest level will surely arrive, already in the quarter-finals it’s like this. There are really strong teams, it’s a really important and prestigious objective, we have to face these challenges with great attention.”
Pioli was asked if he was close to joining Roma before he took over at Lazio and if he was more comfortable facing De Rossi or Jose Mourinho.
“It wasn’t the year I went to Lazio, but I met Sabatini when I was still the coach of Chievo. They were positive meetings, but I then went to Palermo, and he chose Luis Enrique… He wasn’t wrong.
“It’s difficult to answer the question second question, sometimes we found difficulties with those who attacked us high up, other times with those who waited a little longer for us.
“De Rossi is doing a great job and will try to prepare the match in the best possible way, trying to take away the offensive solutions at our disposal.”
Finally, Pioli was asked if tomorrow’s match between Milan and Roma could leave up to the thrilling Champions League night on Tuesday.
“Absolutely yes. In the first half I only saw Real-City, in the second half I saw them both. Two great matches. I believe that the teams that take to the pitch tomorrow evening will also be able to provide an excellent show.”