AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli believes that performances on the pitch must do the talking for his side as they look to fight their way out of another hole.
The switch to a three-man defence after the torrid run of form that started in January seemed to have fixed a leaky rearguard after wins against Torino, Spurs, Monza and Atalanta without conceding.
However, the Rossoneri have conceded six goals in their last three league games against Fiorentina, Salernitana and Udinese and they head into the match against league-leaders Napoli outside the top four following Roma’s victory at home against Sampdoria.
Pioli was interviewed by DAZN in the build-up to the game at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
How can the team get out of their bad form?
“We have only one way to defeat this situation, to get the pitch to talk. We are a strong team, we face an opponent who are the best in the league. But we have our qualities to put on the field, it has to be done with great continuity during the match, which will present many difficulties.”
Did Osimhen’s absence affect your choices in defence?
“Absolutely no. I had already decided to let Simon play because Simon is suitable for this type of game, because he is a player with a certain leadership. I chose the team that I think is best for this match.”
How will you stop Kvaratskhelia?
“To try to neutralise all the offensive qualities of Napoli clearly the more we try to be distant with the right distances with doubling up also the more we have the possibility of suffering fewer duels.
“They are very good in duels, we will try to be very careful. We must not think only of the defensive phase but also of proposing attacking football because we have the qualities to put them in difficulty.”
