AC Milan travel to Turin on Monday night to face Torino for the second time in four days, with coach Vincenzo Montella expecting a ‘gritty’ clash.
The Rossoneri prevailed in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night thanks to goals from Juraj Kucka and Giacomo Bonaventura, and will look to make it five wins against Turin opponents this season.
“This team showed it has real pride and desire to do well,” said Montella in his Press conference.
“Torino are also an excellent side and if on Thursday we managed to turn the game around, it means we are in good shape. I don’t know how good we are, but I do believe we can still improve in the small details.
“Sinisa’s sides always have great temperament, so I expect to see a Torino team calling on all its available grit and determination. We watched the Coppa game back and needed to be much quicker in our passing.”
Montella stated that Alessio Romagnoli is back in contention after recovering from flu, but Mattia de Sciglio misses out due to injury.
“It’s important that we work to prevent chances being created, above all in blocking the service for Andrea Belotti. We need determination, as it’s going to be a real sporting battle and the home fans can help the atmosphere too.”
M’Baye Niang has been included in the squad for the trip to Turin, but will he start?
“He will find his space tomorrow, if I consider it opportune to do so. He’s a good player, but needs to be more consistent.”
Montella was asked about Milan’s lack of transfer activity, in comparison to the additions made by Inter, Juventus and Napoli.
“I do not feel penalised by the transfer market. I feel privileged to be the Coach of Milan. Adriano Galliani was very clear with me – if there are opportunities to improve the squad, then we’ll take them, otherwise I am happy as we are.
“After all, Andrea Bertolacci and Davide Calabria are back after long injuries, Jose Sosa is doing better and we hope to get Cristian Zapata more involved too.”
