Milan President Paolo Scaroni confirms the club is running at a profit for the first time in many years and insists Paolo Maldini’s exit was ‘positive’ overall.
The match with Lazio kicks off at San Siro at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
The Rossoneri have won all but one of their Serie A matches this season, the 5-1 defeat to Inter, and caught their city rivals at the top of the table.
“I like the atmosphere here, the classic Milan atmosphere of cohesion, the new players settled in very well too and Pioli sets the template. I am very pleased with what I have seen so far,” Scaroni told DAZN.
It was revealed this week that AC Milan are going to register a positive balance sheet for this financial year, having balanced the books with the aid of reaching the Champions League semi-final.
“This is something I care about a great deal. Not only do we have a net positive balance sheet, but we did it with great organisation. We have been able to increase revenue, contain costs and for the first time in many years are in the black.
“Believe me, that makes me truly happy considering I was here when we were losing €150m per year.”
Scaroni also commented on Milan plans to build a new stadium in the San Donato area outside of Milan, after the local council and higher authorities ruled the Stadio Meazza could not be knocked down.
“We made steps forward by presenting the request to the Mayor of San Donato, although when it comes to stadiums in Italy, you can never be too prudent.
“San Siro is not completely closed off, that door remains open, but we are going full steam ahead on San Donato.”
The new Milan was completed revamped after the decision to sack directors Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara.
“Changes are always positive at the end of the day. We have new strength, fresh players, so we do not forget the good work that was done by those who have left and I still have the picture on my phone of Maldini cutting the cake when we won the Scudetto. We are always grateful for those moments, but change is positive.”