Stefano Pioli has conducted his weekly pre-match press conference ahead of Milan’s trip to Udinese on Saturday evening, citing the importance of bouncing back after a disappointing result against Salernitana on Monday. 

The Rossoneri were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at the Giuseppe Meazza at the hands of Paulo Sousa’s side after Boulaye Dia’s 61st minute strike cancelled out Olivier Giroud’s first half opener. 

Speaking about the slight slip in league results over their last two games in Serie A, Pioli said: “There was disappointment the next morning, but I like this: I’m happy when the team shares the same feelings as me. Then I saw determination and concentration for the next game.”

Milan will be looking to put things right when they travel to Tuscany to play Udinese at the Dacia Arena on Saturday evening. 

Pioli and his side already know what it takes to beat the Friulani, having won 4-1 at San Siro in the first round of the fixture back in August.  

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Assessing his opponents, Pioli said that Udinese are: “A physical, technical team that likes to play direct through their forwards. It’s a match that we’ll have to face with great attention and determination”.

Pioli was also asked if he was considering changing shape given that Milan are without a win in any of their last three games across all competitions. 

He responded: “We’ve not been playing with an extra defender because against some other teams who play in a 4-2-3-1 system, we’ve played with a back three in defence. Our goal is to be as unpredictable as possible in attack. We’ll go back to a four-man defence when there are opponents more suitable for that. But the crucial thing is to play well.

“Most important will be how we go into the international break, so tomorrow’s result is very important. We’ve fallen short in the league standings, so we have to push on.”

Pioli also provided updates on a number of players in his squad, most notably on Rafael Leao who has been struggling for form in front of goal for major spells of this season. 

On the Portuguese forward, Pioli said: “Leao is training very well, he’s calm and determined in trying to improve his performances. I’m sure that Leao is and will remain an important part of our offensive structure because, even if he doesn’t score, he keeps the opposing defenders on their toes.

“We don’t care what they say outside. I advise Rafa to stay close to those who love him, as happens here at Milanello. He’s not depressed, but he’s determined. We expect goals from him, but even when he doesn’t score he makes important plays for the team.”

Pioli also gave an injury update on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer, who have all recently been sidelined. 

On Ibrahimovic, Pioli added: “He’s fine, even if I don’t think he can do 90 minutes. Then I’ll see what choices I have to make tomorrow.”

He continued: “Tonali was rested against Salernitana and is fine. Bennacer is better and is getting more minutes in his legs.”

The game against Udinese at the Dacia Arena will kick off at 19.45 GMT.

One thought on “Pioli unsure Ibrahimovic can start against Udinese but has a tip for Rafael Leao”
  1. If the aim is to be unpredictable in attack, having Leao there is a stroke of genius. Even he doesn’t know what he’s going to do when he gets the ball.

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