The Rossoneri coach, Stefano Pioli, ahead of the derby against Inter, spoke during the press conference. Here are his statements:
On Bellugi's passing away:
"We have just heard of the tragic news of Bellugi's death, we would like to offer condolences to his family"
How would your childhood idol Tex Willer prepare for the derby?
"With a cold head and a warm heart, with humility but also with will and determination."
This morning the fans made their warmth felt...
"Our fans are really special, it's a shame not to be able to play in a full San Siro, they are always close to us, they give us a lot of support, a lot of strength, I appreciated Milan's virtual derby initiative. We hope it will be the last. derby without fans."
On the tactical key to the game:
"The two teams have a nice and clear physiognomy. The previous derbies have always been balanced, with several scoring chances. Tomorrow the team that will have more compactness and that will be able to be more precise will have more chances. Tomorrow we want to play a top match level."
On Tonali's availability for tomorrow's match:
"I am convinced that he has enormous potential. He is very young, in his first year at bigger levels. He is growing well, he will be a very strong player, but he is showing his qualities. Even if you are young you have to live up to expectations, but he is serene and motivated like his teammates."
What happened in the last two games?
"In the last two games we have not raised our level of play, even the defensive phase has not seen us so solid and compact. Tomorrow we must be very careful and determined. We must have the right approach. Ibra and Lukaku? Zlatan is great but I also respect Lukaku."
A derby will be played after the Ibra-Lukaku clash, thoughts?
"It would have been better if it hadn't happened, but tomorrow is a different match, there will be duels, clashes, it's a very heartfelt match, but there will also be great respect and professionalism."
On the importance of tomorrow's derby:
"It's a very important game, we can get back in the lead. It won't be a decisive match, but it's very important."
On Mandzukic:
"He had a minor injury. He was already working today. I hope it's not a long absence, he was getting into a good level of condition."
Could Tomori be useful in countering Lukaku?
"He is doing well, he has different characteristics from the others. But for technical and physical characteristics Tomori is better at playing against Lautaro and Sanchez, he is aggressive but does not have the physicality to counter such powerful attackers. I am very happy with his performances, he is getting ready."
How is Bennacer's condition?
"He did not have a relapse, the muscle struggles to find elasticity, I hope to reocver him soon."
Is the target still top 4 for Milan?
"The goal of Milan is to continue our path which we are satisfied with. We are happy to be the youngest, and to be the surprise of the league. Our goal is to give our best, then in the end we will see. There are many games left with no long-term goals."
Will Ibrahimovic be decisive in the derby tomorrow?
"Tomorrow must be a collective match, Milan must play as a team. It is the collective that highlights the qualities of the individual. We must play well because we know how to do it, we have the technical quality. We must have the right approach and put the condition of the single individuals to good use. Our head is only on the derby."
Are you disappointed after the 2-2 draw against Red Star in Serbia?
"At the end of the match I was disappointed, I reviewed the footage of the ending, we didn't risk anything but we didn't want to go and look for the third goal: it's a mistake we don't want to repeat. The same mistake we made in Florence last year. Situations need to be developed better. The opponents level up and our performance must be maximum."
How are the players who will be on the pitch tomorrow?
"Tomorrow I will field the players who are doing well. Tomorrow's team is competitive and they will give their best."
How will you approach tomorrow's derby?
"I have a lot of passion and emotion, we are preparing it well, there is the right amount of focus. The fans have been fantastic, we are doing everything possible to be able to prepare well. We are convinced that it is the best preparation and that we have done everything to be ready for this challenge."
