Stefano Pioli examines Milan’s goal problem in the Champions League, what he learned from the PSG defeat to Newcastle United and embracing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It kicks off at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
This becomes a crucial match for both teams, who find themselves chasing Newcastle United in the Group of Death after some surprising results.
The Rossoneri had two stalemates with Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund, while PSG lost 4-1 to the Magpies in a shock defeat.
“We deserved more from the first two games and played at a Champions League level, but football is strange if we didn’t score a single goal from all those opportunities,” said Pioli in his press conference.
“I think we will have far fewer chances to score tomorrow, but you never know, we might score five goals with four shots on target.
“The strikers have to go for goal more, but the bigger problem is when we do not have sufficient players close to them. If the opponents get to double up marking, it is tougher to get a shot away cleanly. For example, we sat too deep against Juventus.”
Paris Saint-Germain are still stunned after the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United, a result that surprised Pioli too.
“I watched that game and I think if they played it again, you would not get the same result. Football is unpredictable, but we watched that and tried to take a few tips.
“These two matches with PSG will be very important and I hope they will not be decisive, because I think this group will be decided in the final round.”
Pioli has praised Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique for trying to cut back on the individuality and build more of a team.
“He is doing an incredible job, as before PSG relied on their champions, now they work like a unit. However, we are Milan and we will play with our heads held high.”
During the pitch inspection this evening, Pioli gathered the whole team in a huddle and gave some inspiring words. So what did he say?
“We talked about conviction, character, as in order to face PSG we need to use our own strengths with courage. We must have no fear, even if there are risks and dangers.
“Luis Enrique still uses four attacking players, so it would be risky to sit back and wait for them. The important thing is that once we get past the first press, we have to make it count.”
The star man undoubtedly is Kylian Mbappé, whose pace is a nightmare for any defence.
“He has incredible speed and capacity of movement too. Whoever is in his zone must be very careful and prepared to anticipate the movement. The more we interrupt the service coming his way, the more we will limit him.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor are out of action, but Pioli admits he has not yet decided his starting XI, including the midfield.
“I still have two or three issues to work out, but tomorrow the team will know who is starting. Tommaso Pobega has certain characteristics, so if I thought those were needed, I would use him.”
This is a special meeting for Milan with Gianluigi Donnarumma, who left the Rossoneri as a free agent when allowing his contract to run down.
“We saw each other at Milanello when he was there for international duty and exchanged messages a while back too. He gave his all with us to the final day and was an important figure,” assured Pioli.
“He made other choices. I will certainly hug him tomorrow, probably after the match.”