AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli believes that Rafael Leao can score more headed goals, while he revealed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is unlikely to play against Lecce.
Milan are looking to follow up their midweek win over Paris Saint-Germain by getting back on course in the league after three games without a win, though Lecce can be a tricky opponent at the Stadio Via del Mare.
There are three changes to the starting line-up: Rade Krunic has come in for Yunus Musah in the double pivot, Tommaso Pobega takes Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s spot as the attacking midfielder and Samuel Chukwueze will get the nod on the right with Christian Pulisic injured.
Pioli spoke to DAZN just before kick-off to preview what is a very important game for his side before the international break, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
You face a team that finishes well and counters quickly, how will you deal with it?
“The objective is to try to play well, to try to win the match knowing that there may be difficulties against an opponent who have structure and work hard. We will have to be careful especially when we have the ball, but also when we don’t have it.”
How is Loftus-Cheek?
“He returned after 40 days out, he played an exceptional match from a technical and physical point of view, he comes with us to be with the team but he will likely not be able to play because he hasn’t really recovered from the effort. Due to his characteristics, Pobega will have to fit in, like Reijnders and like everyone else, when the right opportunities arise.”
Leao scored his only headed goal against Lecce…
“Rafa knows what he has to do to be useful in our attacking phase. The second goal we scored on Tuesday was because he was inside the area and fought with Hakimi on a cross.
“It’s clear that he has to stay inside the area, he has to have the right timing: he has the necessary physicality and he knows what he has to do.”
Sack Pioli pleaaaase