Milan boss Stefano Pioli believes the Rossoneri can ‘eliminate anyone after Tottenham and Napoli’ in the ‘most difficult derby’ against Inter.
The Rossoeri boss spoke at a press conference on Tuesday, on the eve of a Champions League semi-final first leg against city rivals Inter.
Milan have one win and two defeats in the previous three meetings with the Nerazzurri this season, so is the upcoming match the most beautiful or difficult for Pioli?
“Surely the most difficult, because it’s a Champions League semi-final,” noted the coach, as quoted by Milannews.
“But it’s also amazing to play these games. The guys must be happy to experience these moments. It’s only the first game, it will be played across 180 minutes.
“For others, Inter are favourite, but we want to play,” continued the Rossoneri coach.
“We’ve eliminated Tottenham and Napoli, we think we can eliminate anyone.”
The Rossoneri are currently out of the top four in Serie A but have reached the Champions League semis for the first time since 2007 when they eventually lifted the trophy under Carlo Ancelotti.
“We haven’t had highs and lows in the Champions League,” claimed Pioli. “We’ve completed a great path. We want to make the next step and go all the way, motivations are high.
“We expect a great San Siro with great energy. We’ll try to collect this energy and put it on the pitch from start to finish.”
The Italian tactician confirmed that injured Rafael Leao would try to “push” on Wednesday morning, in the final training session before the match, hoping to recover in time. The Portuguese striker can either start or not be available at all, as Pioli had told Sky Sport Italia before his press-match press conference.