Stefano Pioli insists Milan intend to ‘take control and attack’ Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League showdown, although they are also wary of counter-attacks.
It kicks off at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
This is a very balanced group after two games, as Milan are top on four points, Dinamo Zagreb have three, RB Salzburg two and Chelsea only one.
“We want to be competitive, and in order to do that you have to face every single game to the best of your abilities, trying to give your all throughout the match,” Pioli told Milan Channel.
“We are aware that we face a big team who won the Champions League two years ago, but we have our own mentality and our way of setting up on the pitch, so we’ll try to do the same tomorrow evening.”
The Rossoneri are the underdogs going in, above all because of the massive injury crisis that has decimated the squad travelling to London.
However, Pioli has become accustomed to upsetting the odds in charge of his team.
“Predictions are made on paper, but what happens on the pitch can make for different performances and results. I think the outcome of the Dinamo Zagreb vs. Chelsea result was unexpected to many, while playing in the Champions League means you have to put in a top performance throughout the game.”
That 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb was one of the reasons why Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel and brought in Graham Potter, who has no Champions League experience.
“Chelsea changed coach and so we’ll face a highly-motivated team. We prepared well, we know how important this match is, but I don’t believe it will be decisive, as the final two group games will be decisive.
“We are still playing in a wonderful atmosphere and want to have our say. We have to be good technically, tactically and in terms of controlling the ball.
“Very simply, either we dominate the game or the other team will dominate us. We want to take control of the match, knowing full well we are up against an opponent with great quality, who have a rapid attacking unit with good technique, so we have to be solid and focused in defence.
“What matters though is that we play with our spirit and try to attack, to be dangerous, because that’s what we can do and what we want to do.”