Stefano Pioli spoke from the stage of the 18th 'Amici dei Bambini' Tournament. Below are his statements:
On the difficulty of defending the title:
"I don't think it's difficult for everyone to defend the title, I don't think there are many teams in Europe that immediately win the second championship. We won with a very young team, thanks to a project and a club path of which we are proud. We are one of the few clubs with a sustainable project, only a few teams manage to win again and be competitive in Europe. That is a leap that we have not yet been able to make, but this season also gives us the opportunity to understand great things, improve, and be a stronger club."
On the double Champions League challenge with Napoli:
"In the Champions League, there will be two other challenges. Napoli is a very strong team, there are great players, and they are having a fantastic season, but the Champions League is the Champions League. All eight remaining teams are strong, there will be difficulties for everyone, but there will also be great incentives and motivations to do well."
Pioli on the expectations for Napoli at the start of the season:
"Honestly, when they lost important players in the summer and took two strong but not well-known or appreciated players in our football, it was difficult to predict that they could play like this. Afterwards, they showed great continuity, strength, and quality, and they have all the characteristics of a great team. However, no one is perfect or unbeatable."
On the relationship between AC Milan and Europe:
"You can feel it, absolutely. It is part of the history of this club and the path it has always taken. We are starting to write our own story, the story of Milan in the Champions League is different from ours. When you go to San Siro to play the Champions League, it's something exciting and spectacular that involves everyone. We are very focused, but we are also attached to the league. To make this a positive season, we must play in the Champions League next year. We must be careful."
Pioli the Champions League draw:
"Honestly, I preferred not to face an Italian team. In the Champions League, it's nicer to face a foreign club. Napoli is very strong, but we want to play against them."
