Stefano Pioli explains why Rafael Leao cannot be tied down to ‘a wider tactical framework’ and how much Milan ‘learned’ from their 4-0 defeat to Lazio.
It kicks off at San Siro at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT).
The Rossoneri cannot afford to slip up again, having managed only four draws in their last five games.
“We wanted more from the last few matches and the way we played, I don’t think the points earned match the performance. We will try to do better against a tough side like Lazio,” Pioli told DAZN.
There is also the urge for revenge today, as Milan were humiliated 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico back on January 24 with goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Mattia Zaccagni, Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson.
“We learned a lot, as that game in Rome was one of our worst performances of the season. We were not the team that we are now and we are prepared today to play better.”
Rafael Leao has a degree of tactical freedom that the other players at Milan really cannot afford and Pioli explains why.
“Leao has his own particular way of reading situations. He doesn’t really set himself within a wider tactical framework like the others. He can read the opposition defensive movements and see how best to do damage.”
After months of speculation, it seems increasingly likely that the Portugal international is ready to sign a new contract with Milan, despite the strong interest from Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.