Stefano Pioli clarifies Milan’s tactics against Spezia with a different Divock Origi role, while warning the next few games ‘will decide our fate in Serie A and the Champions League.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Alberto Picco at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
There is so much at stake in this match, because the Rossoneri need to stay in the running for a top four finish, while the hosts fell into the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Milan’s confidence is also hit badly by the midweek 2-0 Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter, preparing for the second leg next Tuesday.
“Origi will play on the left today, with Rebic as the centre-forward. We are missing players, but the team is ready for this important appointment,” Pioli told DAZN.
The coach was asked if he had reserved any special speeches to keep the team focused on Spezia between those two semi-final clashes with Inter.
“I don’t need to motivate them, these are the key weeks of the season to decide our fate in Serie A and the Champions League. So we will be very determined and must play and battle the way we know that we can.”
Rafael Leao was ruled out of the first leg with Inter and is absent today too, but seems to have agreed a contract extension with Milan. Has that helped change the Portuguese forward’s mood or that of the team?
“Rafa is calm, determined and hopefully he can recover from the injury quickly. The contract has been discussed for a long time, so that doesn’t change much.
“The mood of the team has not changed, it is motivated and determined because our season is to be decided in these games.”