AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has insisted his side are not focusing on the Champions League semi-final to come because the league is ‘too important’.
Pioli has gone back to what seems to be his first choice starting line-up for today’s game against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, with four changes from the win over Lecce as Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer, Olivier Giroud and Ismael Bennacer come back into the team.
Milan come into the game buoyed by their win against Lecce last weekend and with Lazio and Juventus both having suffered defeats, as well as their opponents for this game who were beaten by Atalanta.
Pioli spoke to DAZN before the game to preview what is a crucial game in the battle for the top four, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“We mustn’t think about the Champions League, the league is too important. Today is difficult, Roma are having an excellent season. We are getting there well. We hope to have a great game,” he said.
How will you unhinge Rome?
“Against such an organised defence and such a solid and physical team we will have to be good at pace of play and with individual plays. Beating the man could be decisive against their well-placed defence.”
Giroud is back today…
“Giroud is our point of reference in the attacking phase. He works a lot for the team and is an important player for us.”
