Pioli says Milan’s UCL history ‘gives us strength’ ahead of huge Inter clash

By Euan Burns -

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has said that the pedigree the Rossoneri hold in the Champions League is a strength for the current team as they prepare to face Inter.

Speaking during an interview with the New York Times (via Milan News), the coach previewed the huge match which is coming up on Wednesday evening. Milan face Inter in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final EuroDerby.

Milan have won the tournament seven times in the past, with Real Madrid the only team to win it more often. It is that history that Pioli thinks actually gives his team strength, rather than any sort of pressure.

“It doesn’t weigh on us, it is more of a force. The pressure of the club’s history has given us more confidence, more strength, more conviction. The DNA exists, this club is used to these moments, these emotions. It knows how to be a protagonist,” Pioli explained.

Talking about how this Milan team differs from the one that won the Scudetto last season, he said: “This Milan that won the Scudetto last year was the youngest team in history to do so. A club must have a project. Ours was very clear: to invest in young, talented players and then give them time to grow,” he said.

One of Real Madrid and Manchester City will be waiting for Milan or Inter in the final of the Champions League and the coach was asked about the difference between the Premier League and Serie A.

“You have to be innovative. With ideas, with the quality of work. Serie A is underestimated: there are many different ideas, different styles, many comparisons with teams and coaches who have different systems of play or who interpret matches differently. This has led to a knowledge given by the variety of challenges at national level, which makes it possible to be prepared for whatever happens in Europe. Italian football has suffered for a few years, but now it is ready to become a protagonist again,” he said.

Tags AC Milan Champions League Inter Stefano Pioli

1 Comment

  1. History are beautiful memories to remember , but it is coach and the player are the strength on the team . Dont just overconfidence mister pioli because AC Milan have better history than IM on semifinal , stay focus prepare your team

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