AC Milan's central midfielder, Sandro Tonali spoke with the media in today's press conference, as he accompanied Stefano Pioli, in view of tomorrow's clash in the Champions League, valid for the second fixture of the Champions League semi-final. Here are his words:
In 2003, you were only 3 years old (in AC Milan's derby in the Champions League semi-final). How do you feel now?
"There is a lot of excitement, we have the strength to put everything aside. It's just one game and we have to focus 100% to give it our all. It's our chance, we can change the result of the first leg and push forward."
Difficult days for you. You faced the Curva, what feeling does that evoke in you? Tonali said:
"Positive feelings. The Curva has always been close to us and yesterday they wanted to show their support for this game. They have always supported us, we are all rowing in the same direction. We are all united."
Two consecutive posts. Can the goal come tomorrow?
"Thinking about it would be too simple, we have to take the field to give our best and score for the team. Personal achievements will come, but first we think about the team."
Did you say anything to the team?
"We talk to each other often, but I don't think there is a need to talk to anyone to take the field. Those who wear the Milan shirt know very well what to give in order to be proud and say that we gave everything."
Tonali on whether tomorrow's game change anything for the season or not:
"Surely something changes. At the beginning of the year, we set goals for ourselves and many did not go as they should have, but tomorrow we take the field to change this season. We were not able to repeat ourselves in the league and tomorrow this game will have an important weight."
Inzaghi complained about the referee being French (Inter's coach said: "I have many friends and acquaintances in football who contacted me when they saw the designation of a French referee with the 4 French players in the Milan side, but there’s no problem. I have the utmost confidence")
"We need to find a referee without nationality (laughs)."