Sky journalist Peppe Di Stefano has revealed that Slavia Praha are seem to be enjoying a party-like atmosphere in the build-up to tonight’s game against AC Milan at San Siro.
The Rossoneri beat Stade Rennais 5-3 on aggregate in the play-off round to qualify for this phase, and there might have been some relief when the draw in Nyon last month pitted them against the team from Prague rather than Leverkusen or Liverpool.
However, Slavia are a team to watch out for because they have accrued a lot of experience in European competitions over the last few years and they won their Europa League group – one that included Roma – to secure an automatic passage.
Milan come into the game off the back of a win they had to grind out away against Lazio, but head coach Stefano Pioli admitted in his pre-match press conference that Slavia are a side that could cause problems.
Di Stefano spoke live on Sky in the build-up to the game and he did so late last night, revealing some insight into how the mood is among the Slavia players and staff, with his comments relayed by Radio Rossonera.
“If you agree that this is the last update (laughs), because Slavia Prague left just a few moments ago. Jokes aside, they trained here and experienced what was certainly a special eve,” he said.
“In my opinion one of the most unique, at least among those I’ve heard, of recent years. It’s a team that came here to write history and party, but they’ve been here for practically two days.
“A postcard from San Siro to frame: this is the dream of Slavia fans, who will come en masse on this occasion too. There will be 4,500 [away fans].
“The team has been in Milan since Tuesday, because as Zima explained to us, the team needs peace of mind. They are here for two nights and for them it is one of the most important matches in their history. They are living it just like a party.”
