Stefano Pioli sat down in front of the media at Milanello to give his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon as his side prepare to face Roma in a crucial six-pointer in Serie A on Saturday afternoon.
With seven games left to go of the domestic season, Milan currently occupy fourth place and the last Champions League spot in the Serie A table, although Roma are fifth and level on points on 56.
Despite having qualified for the semi-final of the Champions League, Pioli knows that Saturday’s clash at the Stadio Olimpico is as important as they come.
Pioli told the press: “We need to give continuity to our performances and make sure that the next match is always the most important one. And that’s how it is: tomorrow’s match is worth double (in terms of points) and we need to face it with the right spirit.
“It’s worth a lot, we have increasingly fewer games left to play. We have three direct clashes, the more points we score, the more chance we will have to finish in the top 4 which is our biggest goal.
“We’re fine, there’s the desire to have a great end to the season. The season finale will be decided in these last few matches, and we must still see ourselves as protagonists. The matches still have to be played and won, but let’s take things one game at a time otherwise we lose energy.
“The latest performances have been good. We know what to do in important matches, so we’re going to Rome with confidence, we have the qualities to do well.”
Pioli is also aware that Roma will present a stern challenge and has been impressed by the recent performances of Jose Mourinho’s side, despite the Giallorossi having slipped to a 3-1 loss against Atalanta last weekend.
“We know their characteristics.,” he said. “But let’s not think too much about the result earlier in the season. We have to be careful in those situations where Roma are strong, like with set pieces.
“For 7 home games in 2023 they haven’t conceded a goal and they have players up front who can score at any time. We’ll have to try and keep control of the match.
The Milan coach also provided an update on the fitness and recovery of a number of his first-team players.
On Olivier Giroud, who was rested during Milan’s most recent game against Lecce, Pioli confirmed: “He’s fine, needed some rest, but now he’s fine and ready to play.”
Rafael Leao also ought to be okay. Pioli added: “In a season a player can’t always be at 100%. Now he’s fine physically and mentally, positive performances give you courage and enthusiasm. We expect a lot from him.”
There will, however, be at least three Rossoneri players unavailable for the clash against Roma.
“Ibra is better but there isn’t a diagnosis yet. He won’t be there tomorrow, as well as Pobega and Florenzi who has a fever.”
On Pobega, Pioli added: “He’s still in pain but it’s decreasing. He hasn’t returned to work on the grass yet, but he should do next week. He’s doing well, he’s growing well. He can become a complete midfielder.”