Stefano Pioli spoke in a press conference to the media about the next challenge against Inter in the semi-final of Coppa Italia and also about the team's form so far.
Here are the statements of the AC Milan gaffer:
"AC Milan's latest results? I agree with Maldini, the head commands everything. It is the head that keeps you inside the game. We are in an important moment of the season. We have made an extraordinary journey in the last two and a half years, but what matters will be what we do starting from tomorrow. We can do better than in the last two games. We have sown a lot, it's time to start harvesting. We are at the last step, that is to become a winner. It is the most difficult step."
How will you approach the match?
"With great attention. It's only the first round, but a good start would be important. The push from our fans will be important."
On Sandro Tonali's absence:
"This week will be very important, but it won't decide our fate either in the Cup or in the league. Tonali's absence? It's part of the game, of course he's an important player, but we have other resources."
Pioli added:
"I think we need these matches right now. I am convinced that both teams will have the right energy: we will have to rely on our characteristics, playing a courageous match. We have had some difficulties, we have not been able to close games and similarly we have not been able to control some games. We paid dearly for this."
Is this the most important week for you?
"It is not the first time that we have such important weeks. It is important, but not decisive. There will still be a comeback in the Italian Cup and there are 10 games left in the league after Napoli."
Will Krunic play?
"I made my evaluations in the last few games, if he does not play then he wasn't within these evaluations. But Rade has my absolute confidence, he can play tomorrow."
Could this derby have an impact on the Serie A race?
"It's always a derby, it brings you a lot of emotions. Doing well would be positive for both the Italian Cup and the championship."
Are Milan relying too much on individual qualities?
"We play as a team, trying to exploit the characteristics of individuals because we have strong players."
How is Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
"He is a little better, for Napoli I don't know if he will be there. It must be evaluated day after day."
Can Alessandro Florenzi play tomorrow?
"He's a strong player. I have two strong full-backs, he's also a starter for Milan. We'll see what choices I will make for tomorrow and then for Napoli. He's a player I can only speak well of."
How is Franck Kessié? Is he feeling down?
"A lot depends on the fact that he has scored fewer goals, but the work he does is good for the team."
Pioli on if Alexis Saelemaekers can be the attacking midfielder?
"Alexis also knows how to play in the middle of the field. He has to find a bit more quality to make decisive plays."
Does Giroud need more crosses in the penalty box?
"Sometimes we slow down too much before making the crosses. He moves well in the box, we have to do better on this aspect and we are working on it."
Allegri says one needs 84 to 85 points to win the Scudetto. Do you agree?
"I don't know. I still think that the top 5 will be played for the Scudetto and the 4 for the Champions League. I don't know how many points will be needed, they have all slowed down. There are 11 games left, it is difficult to face all the teams in this phase. Surely more than 80 points will be needed", declared Stefano Pioli.
On conceding goals away from home:
"Tomorrow we will play at home, it will be essential not to concede a goal, but above all to enter the field with the right attitude to win the game."
