Stefano Pioli expects ‘a spectacular game’ between Milan and Lazio tomorrow, is gearing up for Liverpool too, but trusts Franck Kessie’s contract row won’t be a distraction.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
The coach already confirmed that Olivier Giroud and Rade Krunic are out of action, but Franck Kessie and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are available.
“Ibra sacrificed himself to recover as quickly as possible, working from morning until night,” said Pioli in his press conference.
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As for the Ivorian midfielder, the tension there is off the field, where he has rejected a proposed extension and the spectre of a potential free transfer to PSG looms.
“I would like Kessie to sign his new contract, but that’s more of a situation between the club and his agent. I speak to Franck about the football and I see him motivated, calm and positive. There are no problems at the moment.
“Our fans are too intelligent to be distracted by this situation, they will always put Milan first and foremost. I think there’s been too much talk about it already, the fans and coach only care that players give their heart and soul on the pitch, and that’s what Franck does.”
There were reports that Milan had asked for Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto over the summer, but were put off by the €50m asking price.
“I never asked for any other players, I am happy with my squad,” assured Pioli.
This is an intriguing clash with Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, who have conceded the opening goal in both games so far this season, going on to win handsomely.
“On paper, it’s a game between two teams who have a lot of quality, so it ought to be spectacular. Lazio are very strong in every area, combine quality and physicality, so both teams will go for the victory.”
It will then be followed by a trip to Anfield in the Champions League against Liverpool.
“Every test we face will tell us how far we’ve come and what we still need to do. These are big opportunities to prove ourselves. They’re very different games, as Lazio play with a pure centre-forward, whereas Liverpool use a more mobile figure there, but we have our way of playing and trust in that.”