PIOLI: "WE WANT TO TAKE AN ADVANTAGE"

The last few days have been filled with tension, as is normal when preparing for a match as big as this one. The clock keeps ticking, and we've now arrived at the eve of AC Milan v Roma, the first leg of an all-Italian quarter-final tie in the Europa League. At Milanello, Coach Stefano Pioli and Ismaël Bennacer held a press conference to give their thoughts ahead of the San Siro showdown, which comes at a crucial juncture of the competition and the Rossoneri's season.

STEFANO PIOLI

FAITH
"So far in the Europa League, when we've been at home first, we have always been good at gaining an advantage. We won't be able to close the deal, but it would be crucial to have an advantage. It will be difficult, but we believe. The important thing is to keep playing and believing in our strengths. The spectacle shouldn't be lacking. If you want to be an attacking team that harnesses its technical strengths, you inevitably have to take some risks."

DE ROSSI'S ROMA
"I expect the best Roma. With De Rossi, Roma has changed their approach. He's doing a great job because he's proving credible. The team follows him. I don't know what choices he'll make, also because those who face Milan often adopt specific measures. We are prepared, and we will adapt, trying to be more dangerous and effective."

DECISIVE MOMENT
"We're in good form, but the most important moment is now, and will it determine our season. It will require attention, quality, intensity, and energy. We want to win, and we will try. For me, we're not far from the level of the best in Europe. We play a modern style of football. We are competitive."

THE DEFENCE
"Without Tomori, we lose some aggression and speed, but we still have alternatives capable of making the right adjustments against their attack. Thiaw and Kjær are in almost identical physical conditions, and I will choose based on the game and the opponent I expect."

ISMAËL BENNACER

CHARGED
"We're facing one of the most important matches of the season: we've prepared well, we're ready, and we're focused."

PLAY TO WIN
"This team is even stronger than the one that won the Scudetto, both in terms of quality and mentality. When you play in a competition like this, just reaching the final isn't enough, you want to win. I've been at AC Milan for a few years now, and I always want to give something extra. I'm not yet at 100%, but I work every day to get back to the top."

THE END OF RAMADAN
"The coach and the staff have managed this period in the best possible way, and I thank them for that. Now I'll be able to have more energy, even though I already had plenty before."

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