Pioli reveals Brahim Diaz is struggling, analyses Verona game and names what Milan must continue to do

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has revealed that Olivier Giroud and Davide Calabria are back to face Hellas Verona, but Brahim Diaz may now be out.

Milan will be looking to continue their fantastic league form from before the international break, with their most recent result a 3-2 win away against Atalanta and a performance that was more convincing than the scoreline suggests after a fast start established a 3-0 lead before a late fightback.

A resurgent Hellas Verona arrive tomorrow, and the Rossoneri have yet another injury crisis. Alessandro Florenzi (after surgery), Alessandro Plizzari (after surgery), Tiemoué Bakayoko (muscle problem), Junior Messias (muscle problem), Mike Maignan (after surgery) and Theo Hernandez (Covid) are all expected to miss the game.

Pioli spoke at his pre-match press conference at Milanello on the eve of tomorrow’s match at San Siro against Verona and he discussed a variety of different topics from injuries to the opponent, with MilanNews relaying his comments.

What was the break like?

“It was unique like all the break. We all met together only yesterday, but I saw the right concentration. Verona are doing well with Tudor, we will have to be careful.”

How is the mood at Milanello?

“The team has not forgotten the great performance in Bergamo. We have a clear idea of ​​what we have done. Tomorrow we will face another very aggressive opponent, we will need great quality and a lot of physical energy.”

How is Ibrahimovic doing?

“He’s better, he started working on the pitch, he’s been in the group since yesterday. Tomorrow’s training will be important, then we’ll decide whether to call him or not. His condition is improving.”

Has Giroud recovered?

“He trained well, he overcame the back problem. Tomorrow he will be there.”

Will Tatarusanu be the owner tomorrow?

“Tatarusanu will be starting tomorrow. He is a great professional, here he is appreciated by everyone.”

Do you like the way your Milan play?

“We must continue to be dangerous, many of my players are improving.”

Will Calabria be there tomorrow?

“He’s fine, he’s been training with us for three days. He’ll be there tomorrow.”

Is Mirante ready?

“Mirante needs an extra week of preparation, but I’m happy with his arrival. I thank the club, we needed another player. He’s a serious guy and a great professional.”

How are the players who returned from the national team?

“They are doing well. Between yesterday and today we also played with each other to see everyone’s condition.”

Where do you want to go?

“The blazon of the club has made it a team that many players want. We hoped to be in this position and we want to get as high as possible thinking match by match; we want to win all the matches. We are Milan, tomorrow we play at home and we will take a lot of energy from our fans again tomorrow evening.”

Do you feel unlucky?

“Bad luck exists for people who feel unlucky. It is not like that for us, our group wants to overcome all difficulties and use these difficulties to prove our worth.”

How’s Brahim Diaz doing?

“Brahim was good during the break, this morning he was not well, we’ll see for tomorrow.”

Has Milan’s game improved compared to last year?

“We are more aware of our means and we are exploiting the growth of several young people. We have more confidence.”

What does it take to beat Verona?

“The difficulties will be many, it is a team that is good in terms of legs and head. They play attacking football, we will have to exploit their mistakes. They press a lot, we will have to move well and with the right times. We will need great continuity within the match. It is true that direct clashes are important, but it is also essential not to lose points against the lesser teams.”

Will you play Ballo-Touré tomorrow?

“He returned from the national team in good condition. He had his time to adapt, against Venezia he was a bit fearful, but now he has grown.”

How much will the absence of Maignan weigh?

“Unfortunately these are uncontrollable things. We are very sorry for him, but yesterday we saw him well. His entry into the team was positive, but we have maximum confidence in Tatarusanu.” 

How important is Krunic’s recovery?

“It is very important, he had started the season well. He is one of those who have grown the most. He can also be an attacking midfielder.” 

How important is tomorrow’s match?

“We want to continue our path, it is too early to look at the others. We are only thinking of ourselves.”

What are the strengths of Verona?

“Tudor is continuing with what Juric did last year. Barak is very physical, Caprari is good in one on ones, Simeone I coached him in Florence and he is a good striker. We will have to be better than them tomorrow.”

What full-back is Ballo-Touré?

“He is more inclined to attack than to defend, but he is also growing in the defensive phase. He needs time to understand new things.” 


READ MORE: Milan ready to invest big on a striker – the names considered from Werner to Isak

Tags AC Milan Stefano Pioli
Serie A Standings

Live football scores . Current table, fixtures & results.