Milan coach Stefano Pioli says club director Zlatan Ibrahimovic will travel to Salerno with the team and reveals Ismael Bennacer will start against Salernitana on Friday.
The Rossoneri will visit Filippo Inzaghi’s Salernitana at the Stadio Arechi tomorrow. They will be joined by new club director Ibrahimovic who met Pioli and the team for the first time on Wednesday since his appointment.
“He’s the same Zlatan. He is approaching a different role, but he is curious and determined. I saw a motivated Ibra and it was an interesting day,” Pioli said at a press conference on Thursday.
“He’ll be there [in Salerno]. He is an added value for me and the club, he has great experience and he is the symbol of those who challenge the challenges.”
Simon Kjaer returned to action last week, but he’s the only fit centre-back alongside Fikayo Tomori. The Rossoneri lost Tommaso Pobega and Noah Okafor to muscle injuries in the last Serie A game with Monza.
“We are still in an emergency. The last few injuries were strange, we are working to return to normal because there are many games to be played,” said Pioli.
Bennacer, on the other hand, will feature in the starting XI against the Granata but could soon leave Milanello to play in the Africa Cup of Nations with his country, Algeria.
“He will start tomorrow and remain on the pitch until he can,” Pioli revealed.
“We are not in charge of deciding the fixture list. He is fit, so if he accepts the call-up, he will be at the AFCON, like Samuel Chukwueze. Then it will be up to us to find solutions.”
Was Milan’s victory against Newcastle a turning point for their season?
“It depends on tomorrow’s game, we are looking for consistency,” Pioli replied.
“We know their characteristics and strengths.”
How about Milan legend Inzaghi?
“He gave a lot to Milan and is in the fans’ hearts,” said the Rossoneri boss.
“He’s been a coach for a while and difficult moments happen. Best of luck to him even if we’ll be opponents tomorrow.”
Lastly, the Italian tactician spoke about Rafael Leao, who hasn’t scored in Serie A since September.
“He is important to us, he has returned from an injury, but I’ve seen him well these days, I hope he will be at the top tomorrow,” concluded Pioli.