AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli believes that his side are well prepared to face Dinamo Zagreb tonight having gained important experience from previous games.
Milan come into the game having drawn their first Champions League group stage fixture 1-1 against Red Bull Salzburg, and they are looking to end a drought of home wins in the competition that stretches back over nine years to the 2-0 victory over Celtic in September 2013.
It will not be an easy task though as Dinamo are top of Group E following their 1-0 victory over Chelsea last week that got Thomas Tuchel sacked, and they also have 25 points from 27 available in the league having opened up a 10-point gap atop the table.
Pioli spoke to the microphones of Milan TV in the build-up to the game against Dinamo, with his comments relayed by MilanNews and translated below.
On the match against Dinamo Zagreb: “We have gained experience, we have to show how much we have grown. We have an important game to play against a solid opponent who is not easy to overcome.
“The new players are also settling in well, we have prepared the game in the best possible way. I believe that the physical and mental energies are there right now. I expect a match where our football can be played well. I think we are talking too much about the difference between the Champions League and the league. We are definitely ready.”
On Dinamo Zagreb: “They are a team that has not lost in the league for a long time and that have beaten one of the favourites to win the Champions League. They have a very clear plan, a very compact and intense defensive phase. It is a team that has qualities and nice features.”
On the fans: “Our fans are unique, the air we breathe at San Siro is electrifying and energetic. We will try to take advantage of this situation to try to put on the best possible performance.”
