AC Milan's boss, Stefano Pioli, after 3 consecutive draws between Serie A and Coppa Italia, is eyeing up a very difficult fixture against Napoli. The former Inter and Fiorentina tactician wants to bring home the 3 points which would be very crucial in the Serie A race.
The gaffer presented the game to the media by saying the following words to the media:
"If Ibrahimovic will be available? He is better. He trained in a group both yesterday and today: he will probably join us tomorrow."
On the fixture tomorrow:
"Each team has its own path: we are there to fight for the top five places in the league. We must be satisfied, but aware that every game from now on will be a crossroads. We will face a team that has scored more points after the Christmas break. There will be two teams of great quality on the field."
Will the last Coppa Italia derby affect this game?
"The derby will not weigh on this week. On the contrary, I am convinced that it has given us energy instead of taking it away. I am convinced that we are ready. Napoli are surely a great team. But, no team is perfect. We have prepared a match plan to put them in difficulty."
A draw tomorrow too?
"I think that if you enter the field with the mentality of being satisfied you are closer to defeat than anything else. We will have to play a game of attention and quality."
Pioli on Luciano Spalletti:
"Sooner or later I'll have to beat him, it would be better if it comes sooner rather than later. They (Napoli) are the best defense, they are good at dribbling and at finding depth. Who defends better will have more chance of success. Tomorrow's formation? I have already decided it."
It will be a duel between Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leao...
" I think they are two very important players, decisive for the two offensive phases, but with different characteristics. They have the ability to overcome the defenders. We are focusing on Rafa's moment because it is becoming decisive."
On the draw against Salernitana...
"Two points were lost? From now to May 23 there are 23 points left, it will be a continuous swing. It is unlikely that the teams will have continuity."
On Ante Rebic:
"He is physically well, he is better and is returning to his best condition. He must take advantage of every opportunity: it is important to start with certain characteristics, but also to have the right changes."
On Fikayo Tomori vs Victor Osimhen:
" I think it will be more and more like this, now all matches are formed thanks to challenges like this. Whoever wins the most will have more chances. Often we forget how decisive injuries can be. It will be fascinating..."
On the low number of crosses for AC Milan:
"The figure affects our construction. We are not a team that usually reaches the end of the pitch and crosses. Are set-pieces a problem? We are not kicking them very well and we are working on it more than before. We have to do better."
On Ismael Bennacer:
"I agree that he came back feeling very well after the AFCON 2021 competition. He has a great character with great ambitions. He will continue to improve."
How will Napoli play tomorrow?
"You have to ask Luciano (Spalletti). We must be able to read all the situations, knowing how to get out of the pressure when this is strong or understand when they will wait for us to dribble well and play in their own half. Napoli play both on the flanks and centrally: we will have to understand when we will have the positions to be aggressive. We will have to be very compact and the defenders will have to be good at not getting caught behind", said coach Pioli.
You hesitated after taking advantage against Salernitana and Udinese...
"It was a mistake. We have to have continuity of play for 95 minutes to be able to win the game. Napoli using a high defensive line? I almost hope that Napoli will play with the high defense."
Would you like to coach Napoli's player Fabian Ruiz?
"I really like my players. In the last Napoli clashes, there have been difficult and balanced clashes. Each team will show their own characteristics."
