AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has insisted that the side will tackle tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter with calm, and also discussed rumours of a potential sale.
A whole seven weeks has passed since the two sides drew in what was a rather dull and uninspiring first leg at San Siro, and the game carries an even greater meaning as the Milanese sides battle not just for a spot in the Rome final but also to get some all important momentum in the Scudetto battle
Maldini spoke to Mediaset before the cup semi-final second leg at San Siro, which essentially functions as a winner-takes-all game given that the first leg ended 0-0. That does mean Milan did not concede an away goal, so a score draw (1-1, 2-2 etc.) would be enough to see them through.
“How will we tackle this? With serenity. It is a semi-final between two teams with very similar values, as demonstrated by the table and the three derbies this year. I believe that the fittest and most calm can enter the final,” he said (via MilanNews).
The Rossoneri emerged 2-0 winners against Genoa on Friday night which ended a run of over 200 minutes without scoring, but there is still a feeling that Stefano Pioli’s men are not yet back at their free-flowing best.
“We don’t have a goal problem. There was a momentary problem, at the same time we had very solid defensive stability. We need to look for balance,” Maldini responded.
Even though there are a number of huge games coming up for the team, the media headlines have been dominated by the news that Elliott Management could soon sell the club to Bahrain-based fund Investcorp. There is even talk it could be closed before the end of the season, and Maldini was asked how the team have reacted.
“They are curious, certainly, but we have too many things to think about right now. We have too many things to think about: five Serie A matches and hopefully two in the Coppa Italia,” he said.
“The difference between winning and not winning is enormous, many of these players have not yet experienced it and I think it is logical to concentrate on the issues off the field.”
Maldini was also asked about what the game could mean with regards to the Scudetto race and the potential momentum that the winner will get going into the last few league games.
“It is, also in terms of mood, strength, superiority compared to the other team since it is the two of us with Napoli who are competing for the Scudetto. On a mental level it could count for a lot.”
