Stefano Pioli is relishing the role of underdog as Milan go into the first of three showdowns with Napoli in Serie A and the Champions League. ‘Nobody bet on us last season, while few believe in us now.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
This is a clash between the reigning Serie A Champions and the side that are running away with the title, but also the first of three meetings in as many weeks, because they will also face off in the Champions League quarter-finals.
“I told the lads during the break for international duty that nothing has changed. A year ago, nobody bet on us winning the Scudetto, while few believe in us now,” said Pioli in his press conference.
“Few believe we can get past the quarter-finals in the Champions League, few believe we can finish in the top four. It is a season that could even become glorious, but still feels a little negative.
“What happened last season no longer matters, we have to concentrate on the final 10 in Serie A and five games in Europe.”
The Rossoneri seem to above all flourish when there is scepticism around them and they can go against the odds.
“We know that we have done much better in the Champions League and much worse in Serie A compared to last year, but we can still recover. I have a squad that is very responsible, united and knows how to work without being affected too much by what is said outside.
“It was very difficult to win last season and we are realising it is even more difficult to repeat yourselves.”
The break for international duty has been cruel to both teams, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pierre Kalulu and Victor Osimhen all picked up injuries that rule them out of at least tomorrow’s game, potentially the first leg of the quarter-final too.
“It goes without saying that Osimhen is an excellent striker, but it’s also true that Napoli won all seven games this season without him. My choices won’t depend on his presence.”
There have been reports that Pioli is ready to shelve the three-man defence and return to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
“That is a possibility, although I would also say we used both in recent weeks. If we play like Milan, then we can win. If we don’t play like Milan, we risk defeat.
“There will be difficulties, but my lads know they have to push to the maximum and go beyond their limits. Napoli have been extraordinarily consistent, whereas our last two months have not been up to our standards.”
Milan had one of their best performances of the season against Napoli, despite the final 2-1 defeat, and also have to consider the possibility this result will affect the build-up to the Champions League quarter-final on April 12 and 18.
“Whatever happens, it will be a completely different story in the Champions League.”