Stefano Pioli insists Milan do not necessarily need to sign a new defender in January even after Fikayo Tomori’s injury and urges them to ‘play as a team’ against Spezia.
It kicks off on Monday at 17.30 GMT at San Siro.
Sandro Tonali is suspended, with Tomori, Simon Kjaer, Alessio Romagnoli and Pietro Pellegri injured, but Davide Calabria and Samu Castillejo have recovered from COVID-19.
Franck Kessie, Ismael Bennacer and Fode Ballo-Toure are at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We have to play as a team, as we are up against a Spezia side that won with clean sheets away to Napoli and Genoa, so we need clear ideas,” said Pioli in his press conference.
“This side has always shown it is intelligent and responsible. Our approach to the Genoa game in the Coppa Italia midweek was not right, we know how important it is to start sharp and determined tomorrow.
“We believe in ourselves and our destiny is in our hands.”
Ante Rebic returned this week, but looked extremely rusty against Genoa, a game that went to extra time on Thursday.
“He had some pretty big injury problems and we are going to need patience, especially as his characteristics are all about changes of pace and physical strength.”
With Tomori undergoing knee surgery and out for at least a month, along with Kjaer’s long-term issues, Milan will need reinforcements in defence during the January transfer window.
“We don’t want to bring in someone for the sake of it, but find a player who improves the squad. Pierre Kalulu and Matteo Gabbia are proving themselves ready for important games, so if we see an opportunity, then fine, otherwise Tomori should only miss three or four games. If it was up to him, he’d play again tomorrow, but it will take three to four weeks.
“We should believe in our capabilities and be protagonists in every match, playing our football. If we do that, then we’ll beat Spezia.”
It was pointed out that four of the last five goals conceded by Milan were from set plays.
“We are working on it, as we need to improve our focus and communication.”