AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has spoken about the formation that he is likely to deploy against Borussia Dortmund as well as how Ismael Bennacer’s recovery is going.
Milan ended their four-game winless run in the league on Saturday night as they beat Fiorentina 1-0 thanks to Theo Hernandez’s penalty in the first half, but the performance level will have to be raised tomorrow night when Borussia Dortmund visit the San Siro.
It is a huge game in deciding who will make it through to the Champions League knockout stages. Dortmund find themselves top of the group by virtue of their back-to-back victories against Newcastle United and with PSG hosting the Premier League side it is not far from a must-win for Milan.
Pioli spoke to SportMediaset in an interview that was aired on the eve of the match against Dortmund at San Siro and among the more interesting questions were the ones on the choice of formation and Bennacer’s condition.
“In our non-possession phase we always go above the opponents, in the sense that it depends on how the opposing midfielders line up. It is clear that if they are deeper then we go to work slightly higher up,” he said (via MilanNews).
“They are a very versatile team in the build-up phase, which changes a lot. We will have to be good at reading this situation. We face a very vertical team, which does not favour ball possession but prefers depth and bringing many players onto the ball.
“They are an attacking team, which can leave some space. We will have to be a prepared, compact team, prepared to exploit every little situation that may arise.
“Bennacer is doing very well, he’s burning up the pace. He has only been training with us for 8-9 days, after such a long injury I think it will take a little more time. But he’s fine, his return isn’t that far away.”
very difficult game, need to lead and need luck and maignan ofcourse, and some need to help davide once again 🙁
I heard Pioli tried sabotaging Bennacer’s recovery. No one will get in the way of him and Krunic’s love.
I think their bromance is over. Rumor has it that Adli will start instead of Krunic!!!