Stefano Pioli has warned Atalanta that ‘this is a different Milan’ to the one who were thrashed 5-0 earlier in the season.
Milan have turned a corner since that result, with no defeats since lockdown was lifted, although they have not beaten Atalanta at home for six years.
“We don’t need to be reminded,” Pioli said at a press conference.
Stefano Pioli has warned Atalanta that ‘this is a different Milan’ to the one who were thrashed 5-0 earlier in the season.
Milan have turned a corner since that result, with no defeats since lockdown was lifted, although they have not beaten Atalanta at home for six years.
“We don’t need to be reminded,” Pioli said at a press conference.
“We want this run of form to continue for as long as possible. Atalanta are top in almost every statistical area, but we’re doing well ourselves and we want to put in a big performance.
“We’ve changed a lot compared to the first game against them, which was particularly bad for us and good for them.
“They scored some great goals, but we were still at the start of our journey together. We’ve changed the way we play and some important players have come in. This is a different Milan.
“Atalanta are one of the best teams in Italy. If they’d beaten Juve then the title race would still be open.
“The fact we’re facing such a great team eliminates the danger of complacency. We faced teams like Juve and Napoli with the right approach.
“We’re a team who stay in the game. Us and Atalanta are the teams who have picked up the most points [since the restart].
“We’re in the ideal mental condition, we still have three games to play and we can’t be satisfied with these small satisfactions.
“We must try to overcome those who stand before us.”
The Rossoneri will not be able to count on Theo Hernandez, who is suspended for Friday’s showdown.
“He combines the attacking side of the game with the defensive one well.
“Unfortunately, when you go into a game with four yellows, another gets you banned, but players like Laxalt are ready to do their best.”
The coach formally signed his two-year contract with the Rossoneri this morning, so how does he feel about it?
“I’m struggling not to think about it, it’s what I wanted and hoped for so I’m happy, but tomorrow we have a delicate game for the present and future.
“We have some players missing, but we’ll be fine. The team are ready and alive, they know they’ll have to put in a big performance tomorrow.
“My only concern is that I’ll have to make a few changes at the back.”
Whereas his future has been addressed, the same cannot be said for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Ibra’s contribution has been exceptional in a technical sense and in terms of character. We still need to see if there’s the possibility and desire to continue together.
“After August 2, there will be plenty of time to assess the situation properly.”