AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has praised Luka Romero after his display against Real Madrid and discussed what the new players can bring to the team.
Speaking after the pre-season friendly against Los Blancos in California (via La Gazzetta dello Sport), Pioli was full of positives despite the fact that the game ended 3-2 to the Spanish side.
Milan had been leading 2-0 at half time after a strong header from Fikayo Tomori and a wonderful strike from range by Romero, the 18-year-old attacker who just signed from Lazio on a free transfer.
On the performance of Romero, Pioli said: “He came in and did very well, and not only for the goal.”
Speaking more widely about the team and the new players such as Tijjani Reijnders, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic, Pioli said: “I like this Milan a lot. Strong players have arrived: Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders, I like the way they are fitting in. They will allow us to play even more technical football, even more offensive football.
“After 10 days I’ve seen interesting things, for example how we tried to move the ball, the personality. What will change from last year? We occupy different positions but the principles of play are the same.”
There was a surprise inclusion in the starting eleven for the Rossoneri as Jan-Carlo Simic was placed in the back four alongside Tomori, despite being just 18 years of age.
On that inclusion, Pioli said: “He only knew this morning that he would play. He is working very well.”
The next player to join up with Milan will be Noah Okafor, on whom Pioli said: “He’s a striker who can play in several roles, he’s young but has already shown his value. He has shooting abilities, speed, one-on-one, for me he can be a forward or an outside left. However, I will only make a true judgement when I train him.”
