Stefano Pioli is fired up ahead of Milan’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter but feels it has no impact on the title race this season.
The two Milanese clubs will meet in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals tomorrow, battling it out for both the league title and the cup this season. The first leg between the two sides ended 0-0, so it’s all to play for at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza tomorrow.
Speaking in a press conference, Pioli first discussed the importance of squad unity ahead of the match.
“The more united you are, the better chance you have of winning games. Yesterday we had a nice lunch all together, with the families as well. It was a positive day, even if what counts is tomorrow’s match.”
He touched on the condition of his squad currently.
“Calabria and Romagnoli we’ll see today. Calabria had some difficulties yesterday, but he should train today. Romagnoli hasn’t trained with the team yet, we’ll see today. Gabbia has only had a strain: he’s fine.”
The Milan coach commented on if he felt the pressure.
“We have to win every game if we want to fight until the end. I see a very focused and motivated team.”
Pioli did not think that tomorrow’s Coppa Italia semi-final had any impact on the title race this season.
“No, not for me. Regardless of tomorrow’s result, which is important because it could take you to the final, the league title is another thing. Regardless of how it goes, in the league we must try to win them all and fight until the end.”
He had not spoken to the club until Investcorp’s possible takeover.
“We haven’t spoken about it. The club is always close to us, it always supports us. Milan’s present is solid, the future could be even better.”
The Italian coach looked ahead to tomorrow’s match against Inter.
“We will have to read it well, there will be moments when we accelerate and others when we slow down. Inter can be dangerous in the open pitch. We’ll have to manage the ball well.”
Pioli discussed the fire present within the Rossoneri squad.
“The flame is lit, but it’s under control; I see the players rightly very focused, attentive and motivated to confirm the positive things we’re doing.”
He did not want to think about the fact that the first leg was played over two months ago.
“There’s no point thinking about it. We played one of the best derbies in the first leg but tomorrow things will be different.”
The Rossoneri coach provided an update on Ante Rebic.
“Every player must think he can be decisive in this final part of the season. Rebic has the qualities to be decisive and he’s well. He and other players can be decisive.”
He didn’t think that Inter were a point of reference.
“The point of reference must be ourselves. We have to do better than last year. If we get to the final it would already mean we have done better. We have to overcome ourselves.”
Pioli spoke about the away goals rule still active in the Coppa Italia.
“Our attitude and the way we play against Inter have always been quite similar. Inter are difficult to face, they have positions that will force us to run a lot. We have our strategy, we will need quality with and without the ball between our feet.”
He touched on who he expects to start in the trequartista position.
“Against Inter it’s important to shield Brozovic, that’s why it’s more likely that one of Krunic and Kessie will play than Diaz.”
Finally, Pioli discussed the chances of seeing Alexis Saelemaekers start as a right back tomorrow.
“Saelemaekers has played at full-back in the past, never with us. I don’t think he’ll start, but he could be an idea as the game progresses.”
LIVE MN – Pioli: "Oggi valutiamo Calabria e Romagnoli, Gabbia ok. Il nostro presente è solido, il futuro sarà migliore" https://t.co/e9z2mnFhGa
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