SALERNO, ITALY - DECEMBER 22: Stefano Pioli AC Milan head coach before the Serie A TIM match between US Salernitana and AC Milan at Stadio Arechi on December 22, 2023 in Salerno, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
SALERNO, ITALY - DECEMBER 22: Stefano Pioli AC Milan head coach before the Serie A TIM match between US Salernitana and AC Milan at Stadio Arechi on December 22, 2023 in Salerno, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Stefano Pioli insists ‘attack’ is the best form of defence for Milan against on-form Atalanta and Rafael Leao must find the goal-scoring touch ‘within himself.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.

The pressure is on Pioli, who lost his last two matches against Monza domestically and then Rennes in the Europa League, albeit able to qualify for the Round of 16.

Juventus scraped a 3-2 win over Frosinone this afternoon, so the Rossoneri cannot snatch second place this weekend.

Meanwhile, La Dea need a victory to keep hold of fourth alongside Bologna ahead of Wednesday’s rescheduled match against Inter.

“The team is doing well, we are coming off an important qualification and know this is an important match for the European places, as those behind us are pushing and we need to get back to winning ways,” Pioli told DAZN.

Atalanta have won their last five games on the bounce, scoring with 10 different players, so Pioli was asked how Milan can contain such an attacking team. His response was somewhat surprising.

“Attack. We must attack better.”

Rafael Leao did score against Rennes on Thursday, but has struggled to find the net this season, particularly with a lack of determination in the final third.

“It is something he needs to find within himself. He is working on it, he is improving and will try to be a protagonist again tonight.”

 

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