Stefano Pioli explains why Ruben Loftus-Cheek is not starting for Milan against Lecce and what Rafael Leao must do to improve his aerial effectiveness.
It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 14.00 GMT.
“The objective is trying to play good football, better than our opponents, to win the game, albeit knowing the difficulties we will face,” Pioli told DAZN.
“We must be very focused both when attacking and defending. Lecce have pace and physicality.”
Loftus-Cheek is only on the bench this afternoon, having made his comeback from the start against Paris Saint-Germain midweek.
“Ruben was coming back after 40 days out and he had an exceptional performance in every way. He is with us in the squad, but unlikely to feature.
“Pobega will have to introduce his characteristics to the match, just like Reijnders and everyone else.”
Rafael Leao is quite tall, but barely ever scored with headers for Milan, as the only two were against Lecce in 2020 and 2023.
“Rafa knows what he must do to be effective in our attacking approach. We scored the second goal against PSG precisely because he was in the box and fought with Achraf Hakimi for a cross.
“Of course he needs to be in the penalty area and have the right timing for the jumps. He does have the physical attributes necessary and knows what he must do.”