Stefano Pioli explains why Rafael Leao is not even on the bench for Milan in the Champions League semi-final for Inter. ‘We will go with different characteristics.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The big question mark over the last few days was around Leao, who limped off just a few minutes into the 2-0 Serie A win over Lazio on Saturday with a muscular issue.
The Portugal international was at the training ground this morning and had a fitness test, but did not get on the team bus to travel to the stadium. So what happened with that fitness test?
“It didn’t work, he still has some pain and could not play, so we will go with different characteristics. If we play as a solid team with character on the ball, we can play our game in the best possible way,” Pioli told Amazon Prime Italia.
The hope is to have Leao back to full fitness for the second leg next Tuesday rather than risk doing further damage to the delicate thigh muscles.
How did the coach prepare for the biggest game of his career so far?
“I stayed very close to my players, reminding them of certain tactical situations that will be very important. I have great enthusiasm and energy, because that’s how we need to approach this game.”
Unlike the last time these two teams met in the Champions League in 2003 and 2005, the away goals rule no longer applies, so the home and away organisation of the two fixtures is largely irrelevant.
“There needs to be a great deal of heart and passion, but also a clear head, as that can make a big difference. Let us not forget it will be decided over 180 minutes, though naturally we want to get an advantage going into the second leg.”
Pioli has a tattoo of the Scudetto on his arm, so is there any room for other ink for more trophies?
“Of course!”
the last time these two teams met in the Champions League in 2003 and 2007?
FI, it’s not 2007, but 2005