Stefano Pioli warns Milan can still improve after their 4-0 domination of Dinamo Zagreb and insists it would be ‘the wrong mentality’ to target a Champions League draw against RB Salzburg.
The Rossoneri are on the verge of qualifying for the final 16, as they need only a draw in the last game at San Siro against RB Salzburg to secure their ticket.
After the two heavy defeats to Chelsea, a victory was needed in Zagreb and they responded in style with a 4-0 domination thanks to Matteo Gabbia’s diving header, a Rafael Leao solo run, Olivier Giroud penalty and Ljubicic own goal caused by Leao.
“We had a difficult start, as they surprised us with their positions, but we sorted out the defensive movements and then have some very talented strikers with lots of chances for goals. This is certainly a good victory, a good performance, but we need one more step and our fans will help us against Salzburg,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“The team is accustomed to working for these decisive matches now, we’ve played a lot of them over the last couple of years. We knew we could not get it wrong, were aware of our own strengths and the strengths of our opponents. We never under-estimate anyone, but progressing from the group stage would indeed be a step forward for the squad.
“We have all the time to prepare for Salzburg, but first we need to continue building momentum in Serie A against a Torino side who caused us a lot of problems last season.”
A point will be enough against RB Salzburg at San Siro, but Pioli warns against making that kind of calculation.
“The important thing is that we do not go into this thinking a draw would be enough. That would be the wrong mentality and it is certainly not the way we approach games at Milan.”
Pioli had a decimated squad including suspended Fikayo Tomori, but Gabbia filled in not only defensively, but also by scoring the second goal of his career. The other was in Serie C in September 2018.
“There are many positives from this match, but also things we can improve, being more solid and focused, communicate better when to play out and when to hold. Clearly, the improvement of the individual performances also help the overall team performance to improve.”
Was this night a turning point in the Milan journey in European competition after so many years of not even qualifying?
“Salzburg will be the decisive match and that could allow us to do better than last season, which after all was our objective at the start of this competition.”
Gabbia has earned his spot.. i dont thin Milan need to buy another CB for now, we need to focus on RW at all cost