Ahead of AC Milan’s clash against AS Roma, Daniele De Rossi has spoken to the press about his side’s chances for the fixture and the threats that the Rossoneri can bring.
Roma’s season has been similar to Milan’s for several reasons, mainly due to the peaks and troughs that both have experienced, albeit the Giallorossi’s peaks may not have extended as far, and the dips in form may have been longer extended.
What is a certainty, though, is that fate has drawn them to play against each other for a place in the Europa League’s final four, and similarities can be drawn between both sides again due to the significance that progression could have.
Stefano Pioli – who spoke to the media earlier today – looks relatively safe in his position, but losses in both legs against Roma and a loss against Inter could change that. For the visitors, De Rossi’s job is only temporary, but progression could be the key to an extension.
Ahead of the fixture, De Rossi spoke about Pioli’s quality as a manager and the threats that the Diavolo possess, and his words have been relayed by MilanNews.
You wanted to return to the San Siro…
“It was the stadium I wanted to revisit again, I was disappointed that Roma had already played here. Then fate allowed us to come back here, to play in the stadium that gives me something different, besides the Olimpico and the Bombonera. This stadium exudes glory, there have been great players, great football. We are happy to be here.
Does it help to play away the return leg?
“Without the away goal the difference has narrowed, but then it’s like the calendar: you have to play everywhere, home and away. You just have to prepare the game knowing that there are two of them.”
How is Smalling?
“He’s fine, he’s a player like the others. Tomorrow we’ll be without Ndicka and Hujisen, so I had to manage him and not risk him from the start.”
How to counter Milan?
“We are aware of Milan’s strength, they have players who hurt anyone. We have to arrive at the right time in the positions where Milan’s players prefer to play.”
How to manage Dybala?
“You mustn’t distort them too much, don’t ruin their athletic condition by making them run after others. I made a screen earlier: Dybala did nine duels in the derby, he fought like a real leader and that’s worth a lot. I won’t put him doing the whole wing with someone like Theo, that’s it…”
What do you fear about AC Milan?
“Quality of the players and their coach. I’ve known Pioli for a long time: he brought points coaching the small ones, Lazio, then he won the Scudetto with incredible quality; he’s always evolved, he’s always improved. Milan play, they’re harmonious; beyond the moments, Milan have regained condition and when they win they play well, they make it difficult for everyone.
Even match?
“Thank God the league table doesn’t count. I read somewhere that Roma have nothing to lose. No: Roma have everything to lose. We’re not here to be extras. Draw? We would have to be a bit Machiavellian to play for the draw, we have to try to win.”
Did he have to calm down a bit?
“I said to keep our feet on the ground, but there was no need. I saw cheerfulness, smiles and on the pitch they were going strong. That’s enough for me.”
if I was DDR, I’d park the bus in the first 60 min and try to make the most of counter-attacks. Both Lukaku and Dybala are very dangerous in this type of game, especially if Pioli tries to play 1-on-1 against them.
In the last 30 min, depending on how the game is going, he can switch to attack or stay in defense. Even a 1 goal down would be acceptable for Roma considering the return leg.
What a fantastic fan you are, wondering what you would do if you where PIOLI just so that MILAN would have qualified regardless of the second leg, this place is the only place a find where fans dont even like there team, can y’all just go support another team.
Acmilan should mark out Lukaku,dybala and elsharrawy and Pellegrini we should not allowed them to hold the ball or to move it
Glad we don’t have Dollar Disasterrumma anymore. Hopefully Mike has a great game tonight.
*tomorrow I mean.