Stefano Pioli has insisted that AC Milan cannot simply attempt to replicate their performance in the 4-0 win against Napoli because tomorrow is another game entirely.
Milan will take on the league leaders at San Siro tomorrow night hoping for a repeat of the dominant display that the put on against Luciano Spalletti’s side just over a week ago, in which Rafael Leao scored a brace en-route to a commanding win.
That result suggested there is a bit more parity between the teams than the gap in the Serie A standings suggests, but the two legs to come tomorrow and on April 18 with a spot in the Champions League semi-finals at stake makes everything even more tense.
Pioli was interviewed by Sky immediately after the final training session at Milanello this morning and shortly before his press conference, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“Let’s continue with our habits, our way of being together and of approaching important matches. We are calm because we have prepared for this match in the best possible way by knowing of the difficulties and knowing that the Champions League is the Champions League. We want to try to put on the best possible performance,” he began.
Most important match of the last 12 years for Milan in Europe?
“Of course we always talk about the history of Milan, fantastic because of the Champions League wins. It’s a very important match. We did much better even compared to last season, we want to do everything to get through.
“We know that Napoli are a very strong team but it is inevitable that at this point in the competition we meet very strong teams. We have to play great games to get through this round.”
Will it be looked at as a different game compared to the league?
“We definitely have to have faith. The direct clashes in the league with Napoli tell us that we are two strong teams, two difficult and balanced matches.
“We can’t photocopy what we did in the league, tomorrow is another competition so our opponents could also field different solutions and we must be prepared to understand which spaces to exploit, which different situations to face.”
The Champions League squad is fully fit…
“I’m certainly happy to have the whole squad available. We’ve also recovered Kalulu. A very important week awaits us, the more players there are, the better it is.”
Is it a dream to play and coach a game like this?
“I still have many dreams, let’s hope to go on.”
What does Maldini bring?
“His presence in the most absolute way is an advantage. Sharing his knowledge and respect has become very important in our way of working.”
Victor Osimhen will be injured…
“We’re talking about a great centre-forward who has repeatedly scored. But we’re also talking about a team that had always won without him until the match against us. Napoli have the best attack in the Champions League, they are a strong team.
“We had the same preparation, with our game ideas. Without Osimhen, Napoli will be less strong in behind, but we carry our situations forward for what are our characteristics and our way of preparing for the match.”
