AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli believes that it can only be an asset to reunite Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao down the left side, while he also commented on the boos from fans.
With Bologna losing to Cagliari earlier in the day and Fiorentina dropping points at home to Udinese, there’s a big chance to solidify third place and further extend the cushion inside the Champions League zone.
Pioli spoke to DAZN a few minutes before kick-off at San Siro and his comments were relayed by MilanNews, starting with a general preview of what the clash against Roma will require.
“We will need maximum attention and determination to win tonight. It’s a difficult and important match. The return leg begins, we want to get off to a good start,” he said.
Pioli has named his starting line-up for the game with four changes compared to the Atalanta game in midweek, and one of the main headlines is that Theo is back on the left side with Matteo Gabbia and Simon Kjaer at centre-back.
“It’s an asset for the team to have two such fast players, but we can’t just have them as references in the attacking phase. They are often aggressive, while with us they are more wait-and-see. We will also have to be good from the point of view strategic view.”
The coach was also asked about the importance of providing a good performance in front of the fans, given the team were jeered off in midweek after the Coppa Italia exit.
“The exit from the Coppa Italia was a disappointment for everyone. Their disappointment was ours too, the jeers must be an incentive to win back the fans tonight.”
