Pioli: ‘Serie A and Champions League not too different’

Stefano Pioli believes Milan have room for improvement and doesn’t see too much difference between Serie A and the Champions League.

The Serie A champions sealed a 3-1 win over the Dinamo Zagreb at San Siro in their second Champions League group stage game. It was their first victory at home in the competition since 2013.

“It’s another positive step. I told my players they hadn’t yet won a Champions League game at home, despite their quality,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.

“The fans and players deserve it. I think we can play even better, be more accurate and score even more, but we’ve been playing many games lately.”

What’s the main difference between Serie A and the Champions League?

“I still think there isn’t too much difference,” said the coach. “Performances depend on us in Italy and Europe. We should not think we need something extraordinary to win in the Champions League. The level is high, but it will be the same on Sunday against Napoli.”

Do Milan have room for improvement?

“We do and today’s game proved it. We could have done even better, scoring more goals and not conceding.”

Could Milan become this season’s surprise in the Champions League?

“It’s difficult, this period has been very demanding and the next one will be even more, from the start of October until November 13. That’s why I am saying we must improve. When you can’t go full speed, you must manage your energies.”

Rafael Leao delivered the assist for Alexis Saelemaekers’ goal but won’t be available against Napoli on Sunday as he was sent off last weekend against Sampdoria. How will Milan replace the Portuguese star?

“We won’t have the same characteristics, and we don’t have a real striker, but we can use different solutions. We’ll try to put in a great performance against a great opponent.”

Milan have four points in two Champions League games and face Chelsea in the next two matches in the competition.

They are the Serie A table leaders, along with Atalanta and Napoli. The Partenopei are their next opponents in the final match before the September break.