Coach Stefano Pioli spoke to the Italian media ahead of the game against Atalanta, valid for fixture 38 of the Serie A campaign.
A win means that Milan will finally see the end of a long dark tunnel after 8 years. The Rossoneri will finally be able to enjoy Champions League football once again.
Here are the Italian technician's words ahead of the clash in Bergamo:
How was this week for you?
"It was a special week. Until Wednesday, the disappointment was here. But, it was transformed into focus and determination as well as tension: it's a mixture of feelings."
On the faith to make it to the Champions League competition:
"We do believe in our chances to make it to the Champions League. Atalanta are a strong team and deserve to go to the top European competition for the third season in a row now. We also have the qualities to make it. We will make one last effort."
On Ante Rebic's availability:
"We will have to evaluate the situation of the player tomorrow. He has a muscle calf problem. Even this morning, he was unable to finish the training session. For now, it's more no than yes."
On the importance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his absence:
"The importance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the squad growth is very clear. Tomorrow, all our 26 players will be leaving to Bergamo, the whole club. The fans won't be there but we will feel their presence. These are all conditions to do well."
What do you expect tomorrow from Atalanta's team?
"I expect an Atalanta that will be playing with all their abilities. It's been a very long season for us all. They have a clear system, I expect a team that plays in the best possible way and we will do the same as well."
Atalanta are a very strong team...
"They are strong. We were not at their level last year. But we got close to them and we can prove that tomorrow."
On the club's objective:
"The club has always supported us with great presence and trust in our work. We have the qualities to seize the opportunity."
On the injuries throughout the whole season:
"They impacted the team, surely. The injuries prevented us from rotating the squad properly. We even had to play some games with 7 or 8 injuries. On Monday, we will have to evaluate and look at what we can improve."
What were you feelings ahead of Cagliari's clash and what are you feeling right now ahead of Atalanta game?
"Only tomorrow's match counts. We did everything to recover our physical and mental energies. Tomorrow is very important and we will need much strength."
On the different form between home and away matches:
"These are matters that we will evaluate once the season ends. Only the final standings in the table count."
You experienced a similar situation as this one with Lazio, any comparison to make?
"I thought about that game and the week we had lived then. We suffered before that two heavy defeats in the Coppa Italia final and the derby. I saw in my players now what I saw in my Lazio players then: motivation and determination to achieve the target."
Will the 4 clean sheets in a row be an important factor for you tomorrow?
"It should be the team's goal. It must be a good base to start from then we will try to do more."
Will it be a calm game or one to be played from the heart?
"It will be that of cold blood and great spirit."
On playing an away game against a tough team:
"We must be aware of the difficulties that we might encounter. We must be able to overcome them."
On his future:
"My future is tomorrow. We must all be thinking this way. Then, we will see on Monday."
Can you give a rating for your squad already now?
"No. You will give the votes. Tomorrow is important. It doesn't matter where we're standing today. Tomorrow night will count."
