AC Milan head coach, Stefano Pioli, has spoken to the media today in a press conference in view of Milan - Napoli. Here are his words:
"I think the fans' charge is at the highest level, we are taking that extra push from them. Playing at home is a great advantage for us that we want to exploit tomorrow too."
On tomorrow's game:
"It's a difficult match against an opponent who has technique, organization and personality. But we also have our qualities, it doesn't matter who will be missing. Team spirit and teamwork counts."
On Luciano Spalletti, coach of Napoli:
"He is a colleague that I respect very much, he has always made his teams play well. We know each other well. Many years ago I went to see his training with Roma."
On Davide Calabria not called up to the national team of Italy:
"I am happy to coach a person and a reliable player like Davide. That's all."
On the match vs Napoli again:
"The intensity will count for a lot. We have absences but I have 25 players available, all willing. We are in order. But as the level of the opponents rises you have to raise everything. After a Champions League match you need to continue with intensity. We have the same points, we are teams that play the game, play after play, lots of duels."
On Rafael Leao:
"When we express ourselves at high levels, we help individuals to express themselves better. We start 11 against 11 and with great motivation."
On Napoli:
"They won in the Champions League, they are level on points with us. They have their own way of playing. We are two similar teams, they try to maneuver, attack with many players, do not be passive. We look alike, but I can't say better or worse than us."
Pioli on the Scudetto race:
"(This game) It is not a Scudetto challenge but it is as if it were for the attitude. The 3 points of every single game are fundamental, we must think of each game as fundamental. The championship in the high positions will be balanced."
On Paolo Maldini's words on the renewal of Rafael Leao:
"Everything Maldini says is right, I agree. He is aware of it, he is proving it. A boy available, willing and he knows he doesn't have to be satisfied."
On the injured players and goals conceded:
"The unavailable are the same, we recover some after the break. The defensive problems have been seen, we have to do better in these situations. The higher the level, the more attention to detail becomes decisive. We need to be more collaborative, tomorrow the level will be high and the defensive attention will be maximal."
On the possible change of formation module:
"I have already decided how to play, but it is not the absence of a player that allows us to change a game system that gives us balance. The organisation of the team must allow us to exploit the characteristics. We will try to exploit the qualities of Saelemaekers."
Allegri said on Juventus' injuries and form: 'I liked the transfer market. But there aren't any players on the pitch. Try to take away five starters from Inter or Milan...' Thoughts?
"It didn't bother me, I'm just talking about my team. Certain moments can happen, we try to work with ideas and energies", said Pioli.
Any game you'd like to replay?
"No, only tomorrow's game counts. In this hectic season we don't have to think about the previous match. We analyse them in depth to improve ourselves, but only tomorrow's counts. Difficult to equate every game, situations and opponents change. Then there is the break, there will be few available at Milanello. The boys know they are on track."
On Rade Krunic:
"He's fine, when you come from an injury you're not at your best but he's ok. We will see what the match will tell us to change something in progress."
On inserting new signings into the team:
"Nobody is struggling. I'm happy with Adli, Thiaw, Vranckx and Dest. I keep telling them that they shouldn't be in a hurry, it takes patience to understand certain patterns. They will soon be ready."
On Tommaso Pobega:
"He has quality, physicality in addition to sacrifice. He has features that can be useful to us. I'm happy. He is a Milan fan, so I am satisfied with him and with the call-up to the national team."
Pioli on the reasoning behind Leao's replacement:
"Based on what I have in mind I choose the players. I am fortunate to have several features with many players. Regardless of how you want to play, I have several options, I try to be as lucid and energetic as possible, the teams like a coach like that."
Can Milan counter Napoli?
"Must, with a very careful performance. They played against Liverpool with fantastic clarity and timing. They know how to dribble well, they know how to take theirs one on one, they are complete. In the same way, we too have the qualities to put them in difficulty. Tomorrow, an intense and compact defensive phase could be an objective."
Pioli on Milan's attitude tomorrow:
"If we want to attack, we have to do it with the right timing, if we get the pressure wrong they have the quality to get in. It will be a game to be developed in a lucid and cohesive way."
