The Derby della Madonnina is set to take place tomorrow in what will be an intense battle between the two sides of the city of Milan.
AC Milan's coach is absolutely focused, with his boys, as they want to continue on getting positive results in the Serie A campaign.
Stefano Pioli spoke this way to the media during the press conference about the coming clash, valid for matchday 12 of the Italian championship:
"The derby is an important and prestigious match, the important thing is to be there and maybe win it. Zlatan? He is a phenomenon and continues to show it. He is fine and like all his teammates he is very motivated. Inter are favorites because they won last championship. We and Napoli have made an extraordinary start to the championship, but the championship is still long. All the teams have weaknesses, we will try to discover those of Inter tomorrow."
The Italian boss continued:
"We have recovered our energy, we come from a challenging period, but the team is doing well and is in optimal conditions, both mentally and physically. We are ready for the Derby game."
On the preparation:
"We prepare every match to win it, imagine how we have prepared this one. We know the difficulties and the strength of the opponent. It will not be a decisive match for the championship, it is for our environment and for our people."
On winning against Inter and making the difference 10 points:
"Going to +10 points over Inter? The championship is too long and there are many points up for grabs. Last year we won the first leg derby, but for the final outcome of the championship Inter won it. Perhaps what we lost in the second leg was decisive."
On losing 3-0 in the last Derby:
"Many things have changed. We changed and they have changed as well. Inter now have a new coach with new players. However, games are always difficult to prepare."
On the comparison between Conte's Inter and Inzaghi's Inter:
"I'll say it tomorrow evening. They have physical, technical and tactical qualities, they are good on the pitch and have players who can solve the match, just like us too."
Pioli commented on Inter's attacking department:
"We face the best attacks in Serie A, so I think defending very well will give you a great chance to win the game."
On Brozovic:
"Brozovic is a very important player for Inter and he will be held in high regard if we want to upset their plays. It will also depend on our positions, but we want to try to be aggressive."
On how to face Inter:
"We must believe in our qualities, playing with conviction and trust. Our path has been going on for almost two years. We have important foundations that will not collapse. We are getting used to facing difficult challenges, it must return to being normal."
On the absences:
"Rebic has recovered, Florenzi and Ballo-Toure will also be available. The only unavailable is Messias, whom we will see again after the break."
On the formation:
"I've already made my line-up choices, the players know them and you'll see them tomorrow. We have played many important games and we will play others. Tomorrow is one of those and we like to face it with the utmost confidence."
On some players getting called up to their respective national teams:
"The call-up to the national team is a signal for the whole Milan environment and for the club that has chosen strong players. It is a recognition of the qualities of these guys, now we have almost everyone in the national team, and we want to be strong we must have strong players."
Which player would you remove from Inter's lineup?
"Nobody, I bet on mine knowing that the opponents are strong but we are too. We will play a serious game while trying to win it."
On his motivational speech:
"I do it every time we go out on the pitch", said Pioli, "It's about understanding which buttons to touch, even though I believe that for a match like tomorrow's, my job won't be very difficult because the guys are motivated and focused. We have to be fearless and courageous, it's time to be, we want to be and we deserve to be. If we get to the derby with ten wins and a draw it's because we deserved it. This is not some dream, this is our reality."
Pioli on the derby:
"You will need the clarity not to make mistakes, you need cunning and malice. We said that the Champions League is a matter of details, and tomorrow's match is practically like that. The derby is 50% tactics while the other half is a strength of character. The latter can make the difference more than the first."
Can Atalanta's game be a reference point while preparing for the Derby?
"The match against Atalanta could be the reference for tomorrow for the characteristics of the opponents."
How was this week for you?
"I have lived these days with participation and concentration.", said coach Pioli, "It has been a week with important commitments so it is not like I have had much time to think about it. Tomorrow in the pre-match I will enjoy the stadium and our fans."
