AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli believes the derby against Inter this weekend will be important but not decisive at this stage of the season.
The Rossoneri have been in fantastic form in the league having won 10 of their first 11 games to sit joint top of the table with Napoli on 31 points out of 33 available but that has not translated into the Champions League where they have just one point in the opening four games, and that point came against Porto last night.
Pioli spoke to Sky Italia after the game and was asked about Sunday’s upcoming derby against Simone Inzaghi’s Inter, playing down its importance given it is only the 12th matchday of the season.
“Without a doubt that from tonight we will think about the derby, an important match for the classification, for the fans, for the club and for our dreams. I don’t think it is decisive because the season is still very long, but it is an important match for the our growth and our self-esteem,” he said (via MilanNews).
Pioli was also asked about the condition of two players over whom there are doubts heading into the game against the Nerazzurri in Davide Calabria – who came off at half time against Porto – and Ante Rebic who continues to battle an ankle injury.
“Calabria took a hit in the head, he wasn’t very present but I don’t think he can not recover. Rebic is a bit better, let’s see in the next few days.”
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