Pioli discusses Calabria’s position and reacts to Champions League draw

AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has admitted that there is still room for improvement with his side and that is something that will come with more game time together.

Milan have made the trip to the capital on Friday night to take on AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico hoping to win their third straight match to begin the season.

Milan were victorious in their opening two games of the campaign, beating Bologna 2-0 in round one before triumphing 4-1 against Torino last weekend, and they face a Roma side who have made a comparatively rocky start.

Milan are unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 Serie A matches (W6 D4) against Roma – always scoring at least one goal – with their only defeat coming in October 2019 (2-1). However, they face a fired-up team tonight.

Pioli spoke to DAZN before the game against Roma, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

What certainties does the formation from the first two games give you?

“The certainty that we have been working together for some time and the belief that there are still mechanisms to improve. The more we play together, the more we will grow.”

What can you tell us about Calabria’s position on the pitch?

“It will depend on who will bring Roma out to our full-backs. On the basis of their output we will then go to occupy spaces that can give us one-on-one on the flanks.

“We think we have able and good wingers in one-on-one situations. We will try to have breadth and control over the match.”

Milan will see Donnarumma and Tonali again in the Champions League…

“I liked what I saw in my players. I didn’t see fears, I didn’t see anxieties, I didn’t see fear. I saw stimulation, excitement, enthusiasm.

“We know that the Champions League is the Champions League but we are Milan and we want to face every single match with the desire to fight, play well and win.

“Tonali and Donnarumma gave everything to me, we had a great journey together and we will say goodbye to them with pleasure.”

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