AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to the media in today's press conference ahead of facing Inter in the first leg of the Champions League's semi-final. Here are his words:
Can the spirit of the Milan team vs Rio Ave be useful?
"Yes, the spirit of the team has never faltered. Obviously, quality, attention, and determination are also needed."
How is Rafael Leao doing?
"Tomorrow he will try to push and then we will see. If he is fine, he will play."
Are there any risks for Rafael Leao? Pioli said:
"Rafa and the doctor will inform me about the player's condition. If Leao is fine, he will be called up, if he is not well, he will not be called up."
Given the previous matches against Inter, is this semifinal the most difficult or the most beautiful game?
"Definitely the most difficult because it is a Champions League semifinal, but it is also beautiful to play such games. The players should be happy to experience such moments. Tomorrow is only the first game, it is a challenge that is played over 180 minutes."
Are Inter the favourites?
"For the others, Inter are the favourites, we want to play it. We eliminated Tottenham and Napoli, we think we can eliminate anyone."
What do you ask from your team?
"In the Champions League, we didn't have ups and downs, we had a great journey. We want to overcome the last step to reach the end, our motivations are at their highest."
How will Milan change without Rafael Leao?
"Every coach aims to play with his best players", said Pioli, "Leao has unique characteristics, if he can't make it, we'll play with players with other characteristics."
How important will San Siro's contribution be?
"We expect a full and energised San Siro. We will try to take this energy and put it on the field from the first to the last minute."
Could Rafael Leao also play as a starter?
"If tomorrow's test goes well, he can play, if it doesn't go well, he can't play. I would have done this test today, but we played on Saturday and so we have to do it tomorrow."
Is Alexis Saelemaekers better left than right?
"I often used him in training on the left when I moved Diaz to the right and he always expressed himself well. He has excellent characteristics, we'll see what choices I make tomorrow."
