Stefano Pioli suggested that ‘nobody is perfect or unbeatable’ when looking ahead to Milan’s Champions League tie with Napoli.
The Rossoneri qualified for the quarter-final stage of Europe’s premier club competition after edging out a 1-0 aggregate in over Tottenham in the previous round, a tense and tired affair.
The winner of Milan’s clash with Napoli will face the winner of Inter-Benfica in the semi-finals, setting up a good path to the Champions League final.
Speaking at the presentation of the ‘Amici dei Bambini’ tournament, Pioli first discussed Milan’s failure to defend their Scudetto after last season’s success.
“To win again I think is difficult for everyone, I don’t think there are many teams in Europe who immediately win their second title. We won with a very young team, thanks to a project and a path of the club that we are proud of.
“We are one of the few clubs with a sustainable project, only a few teams manage to win again and be competitive in Europe. That is a leap that we have not yet managed to make, but this year also gives us the chance to understand great things, to improve and to be a stronger club.”
He touched on how a key element of Milan’s season comes down to their matches with Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli.
“Inevitably yes, we play each other on Sunday in the league which is another thing. In the Champions League there will be two more challenges. Napoli are a very strong team, there are great players, they are having a fantastic season but the Champions League is the Champions League.
“All eight remaining teams are strong, there will be difficulties for everyone but there will also be great enthusiasm and motivation to do well.”
The Rossoneri coach was asked why Italy are struggling to produce young talents.
“I’m not the best person to answer. I don’t think it’s just a question of the national team but of the football movement. Italy won the European Championship but failed to qualify for the World Cup.
“It can happen but for Italian football it’s a shame, I think there is the potential to do better in the future.”
Pioli spoke about Napoli’s growth and if they were beatable for Milan.
“Honestly when in the summer they lost important players and had signed two strong players, not known and appreciated in our football, to think they could do this football was difficult to predict.
“Afterwards they’ve shown great consistency, strength, and quality, they have all the characteristics of a great team. However, nobody is perfect or unbeatable.”
He touched on Milan’s long history in European competitions.
“You can feel it, absolutely. It’s part of the history of this club and the path they have always taken. We are beginning to write our own history, Milan’s history in the Champions League is a different path to ours.
“When you go to the San Siro to play the Champions League, it is something exciting and spectacular that involves everyone. We are very busy, but we are also attached to the league. To make this a positive season, next year we have to play in the Champions League. We have to be careful.”
Finally, Pioli was asked if he was happy with Milan’s Champions League draw.
“I honestly preferred not to meet an Italian team. In the Champions League it’s nicer to face a foreign club. Napoli are very strong, but we want to play them.”