AC Milan is set to face Lazio in matchday 3 tomorrow at 6 pm, Italy's time. Today, after the training session, coach Stefano Pioli talked to the media in the usual pre-match press conference.
"Krunic's injury? It's unfortunate, and now we'll be very busy for every three days... Giroud? He's fine. We'll see him again on Monday."
On Ibrahimovic and Kessié's condition:
"Ibrahimovic and Kessié are fine. They have trained and they are available to play tomorrow in the match versus Lazio."
On Ibrahimovic:
"Ibrahimovic's condition is good. He's great. I think I know how much he sacrificed in this period to get back to the field and recover from the last injury. Zlatan will have to be managed, but there won't be problems. Tomorrow, he will be able to play a part of the match, but not the full 90 minutes. We will see then what choices I will make from the beginning."
On Kessié's contract renewal:
"I would like Franck to sign. However, this matter concerns the club and the player as well as his agent. Anyways, I do talk with Kessié, but about matters on the pitch and he is always focused. There won't be problems."
On the squad depth available:
"We have improved in terms of the depth. Junior Messias is still a little behind and he won't be with us for the next few matches and same goes to Tiémoué Bakayoko. Overall we are a team with many possibilities and characteristics to be competitive everywhere."
On the clash against Lazio:
"Tomorrow, there will be two quality teams on the pitch. Lazio is a very strong team, and they scored the most goals in the first league games. It will be an exciting game, but we want to win", said coach Pioli.
On the fans being too eager to see Kessié renew:
"I think our fans are too intelligent and will not put Milan below other things: Franck is always focused and keen to continue growing as well as his teammates."
On the possible lineup tomorrow:
"For us, each game is a maturity test. Each test will tell us where we need to grow to improve our performance. Tomorrow I will field the best possible line-up based on what I have seen in these days."
On Brahim Diaz:
"Brahim is very strong. He has grown up. He needed some time and now he's become a complete player. He must continue to work like this even in the non-possession phase."
On Messias:
"Messias is an intelligent lad. He will have his chances once he's ready to play."
On facing Maurizio Sarri:
"Maurizio Sarri is a coach of the best level. Lazio has many offensive solutions, but we are no lesser team than them."
On Felipe Anderson:
"I hope Felipe Anderson will be marked tomorrow. We have defenders suited to counter the Lazio offensive department. Felipe is a quality player and has some important flashes."
On his work that helped the team grow:
"The most important thing is to see the players here growing, and also to see them available and motivated. I am proud to notice it and that way, I'd be satisfied with my work."
On facing a difficult team, Lazio, before the Champions League fixture against Liverpool:
"The matches are always different and we know what the pitfalls will be tomorrow. We have confidence in our way of being on the pitch. We will think about the Champions on Monday."
On Pietro Pellegri:
"Pellegri is fine. he is working well and with a lot of participation. I think he can be called up for tomorrow."
On the Serie A battle:
"Today we must show that we have understood last year's lesson and have greater continuity. I expect a balanced league, the difference will be to win and score points even against those below the strongest seven. We talk about play, quality but I believe that it is the willingness and humility as well as the sacrifice that give that extra something."
On the midfield battle against Lazio:
"There will be important duels tomorrow in the midfield area. They have some strong players, but mine are also solid."