AC Milan boss, Stefano Pioli, presented the game against Juventus in the press conference as he said the following words:
"Alessio Romagnoli, Davide Calabria and Ismael Bennacer are three important returns for us. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is well and ready like all of us."
On the clash against Juventus:
"It's an important match, not a decisive one. Important because Juve have been unbeaten in several matches. Being able to win tomorrow would be very important for our standings."
Pioli on Ibrahimovic playing as playmaker:
"No. With the game in progress it may be a solution but now we have our balance and it is giving us satisfaction."
On the Serie A standings:
"The effort to do against Juve? We are facing a team in excellent form. It will not be enough to make a normal performance, we have to do it at a high level."
On Brahim Diaz:
"I think Brahim has had a drop in condition, now he has recovered and has a perky form like the start of the season. From quality players, we expect and I expect decisive plays."
What are the team's quality that are needed vs Juventus and Inter?
We have many qualities on a technical and mental level. We are a team that knows how to face matches and we know that there will be difficulties which can be avoided if we play as a unit."
What's the transfer market news after the defeat against Spezia?
"Ours is a medium-long term project. A match does not make us change our opinion on the players. If there is the possibility of improving the squad we will do it, what matters is tomorrow's match."
On Theo's words about his own growth...
"I think it is part of the coach's job to raise young players who need to be followed and advised. One of my responsibilities is to make my players express themselves to the maximum. It is a relationship of give and take, give everything for the team and achieve great results."
Ibrahimovic has not scored at the San Siro since September...
"As far as Zlatan is concerned, he had his chances but he didn't take advantage of them. With Juventus we won't have 10 scoring opportunities. However, there will be situations where he can be decisive."
On the referee for tomorrow's match:
"Tomorrow is another match and we start from 0-0. The referee will have to try to referee in the best possible way, with great seriousness, ability and serenity."
Rafael Leao and Ante Rebic, will we see them play together?
"For now either play one or play the other, but while the game is in progress there may be other solutions."
What differences will there be compared to the first game?
"Juve has grown and is in a positive moment, but we are fine too. We will have to fight ball by ball and inch by inch."
How did you see the team after the loss against Spezia?
"I have seen attentive and determined players. I expect an attentive and determined game. But last year's game against Spezia was the worst, this year not."
Will you be happy if Milan does not sign any defenders eventually?
"If there is a chance to sign someone, the club will do it. Tomori's injury has put us in some difficulty but I am very happy with my players. Tomori will be back soon."
Pioli on if Tonali the real Milan captain?
"he is growing so much yes despite being young. His maturation is not over, he is working hard to grow. Captain of the present or of the future? I have many players attached to what we do: it is not important who leads the group."
18 games against Allegri, but you never won one...
"The past doesn't count but only tomorrow's game..."
What kind of week was this after the loss against Spezia:
"It was a week of intense work, on the pitch and on the video. We need to be more attentive, precise and decisive. We need great attention and participation: if we want to achieve excellence, normality does not lead you to excellence. You need technique, physique, mentality, tactics."
Can Junior Messias play as a playmaker?
"Messias may be an attacking midfielder but the position in which he feels best is playing wide on the right."
If Cuadrado plays high, then would it change the way your team attacks Juve?
"We have prepared a strategy that includes a certain positioning and will not change from Allegri's choices", said Stefano Pioli.
What merit do you have in Leao's growth?
"It's the player's merit: improvements come if there is the will, the self-need to reach higher levels. Then we are there and we can't wait to find certain players."
Do you like being called the fixer and problem solver?
"Yes, I like it, it's a coach's job to ensure that things get better and better. Juve are doing well, they're growing: tomorrow we need a very high technical level of our plays to find the imbalance in the defensive phase of our opponents."
