Stefano Pioli wants Milan to “take the game to Atalanta” in Bergamo, which means picking apart Gian Piero Gasperini’s “unique” tactics.
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Every game is important for us and we cannot afford to think any other way,” warned the coach in his press conference.
Stefano Pioli wants Milan to “take the game to Atalanta” in Bergamo, which means picking apart Gian Piero Gasperini’s “unique” tactics.
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Every game is important for us and we cannot afford to think any other way,” warned the coach in his press conference.
“Milan need the right spirit and total concentration, because we’re still in a very tricky situation. We have an identity now, but are a long way off reaching our full potential. Our plan is to take the game to Atalanta.
“We are Milan and we should aim to be Milan. Our current position in the table is not yet suited to Milan and we need to change that. Naturally, we are not satisfied with this first half of the season.
“I’ve been facing off with Gasperini for years and he has always been a difficult opponent to beat. His defensive movements are practically unique and his attacking approach has improved a great deal in recent years, making for a spectacular style of football.
“If we don’t stand strong tomorrow, we’ll get barged aside by Atalanta. We have to be on full alert in defence. Our performances with the big clubs have been good, but we haven’t been able to get the victory yet.”
Theo Hernandez and Lucas Paqueta are suspended, while there are reports Mateo Musacchio is struggling with an ankle injury, so the defence will be revamped with Ricardo Rodriguez.
“We do not have another full-back capable of the forward runs that Theo does, so we have to think of different solutions elsewhere in the team,” continued Pioli.
“Rodriguez is in good shape, he’s a great professional and he’s ready to play. Suso doesn’t like getting jeered by the fans, obviously, but it’s up to him now to react and show what he can do. I expect a lot from him.”
Not only is Pioli not prepared to answer questions about the upcoming transfer window, he won’t stand for the players thinking about it either.
“I won’t stand for any Milan player getting distracted by the transfer window. If I see someone who isn’t concentrated enough, I simply won’t call him up. If you see we’ve only got 17-18 players in the side, it means someone is distracted.”
Milan squad for Atalanta: A Donnarumma, G Donnarumma, Reina; Calabria, Caldara, Conti, Gabbia, Musacchio, Rodriguez, Romagnoli; Biglia, Bennacer, Bonaventura, Brescianini, Calhanoglu, Kessie, Krunic; Borini, Castillejo, Leao, Piatek, Rebic, Suso