AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has preached the importance of giving Simon Kjaer some competitive minutes to help him fully return from his injury.
The Rossoneri come into the game off the back of a routine against Bologna as Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud got on the scoresheet. The Rossoblu had zero shots on target and the Rossoneri are now full of confidence, but Sassuolo are a tricky side to face.
Nonetheless, it is a stadium with happy memories given that Milan officially sealed the Scudetto in the final game of last season, winning 3-0 thanks to a brace from Olivier Giroud and a goal from Franck Kessie to end an 11-year title drought.
Pioli was interviewed by DAZN before the game and gave his thoughts ahead of the game at the Mapei Stadium, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
What is the first thing that you saw when you arrived?
“The rain, we are concentrated on the match, it is useless to rethink what we have done, it is now written.”
What are you expecting from Sassuolo?
“This is the first time I’ve heard about the other match [the derby]. We know the difficulties we will encounter, we play with an opponent who dribbles well and fast. We are prepared to respond blow by blow.”
Simon Kjaer will make his return…
“He has suffered a lot. He is a point of reference for me and for his team-mates, both for the player and for the qualities of the person, we are happy that he can come back. It will take time, but he needs to put some minutes in his legs.”
