PIOLI: "I EXPECT A VIBRANT GAME"

The imperative is to learn from the draw against Sassuolo to show our best side against Inter. The championship derby is upon us and Stefano Pioli - with the team - is ready to face a new chapter of this historic rivalry. The Coach previewed the derby during the press conference, live on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch, here's what he had to say:

ALL ABOUT THE DERBY
"We both know each other well, so tomorrow we will see more or less the same players who starred last season. I expect a vibrant contest: the Derby is the Derby and so it will be an even contest with no clear favourite. We must not lose focus for even a second, we'll have to move hard and fast; effort, aggression and sacrifice will all be required. Oftentimes in recent editions of this Derby, Inter have come out on top, but not necessarily because they were outplaying us. They are dangerous from set-pieces and restarts, so we will make decisions according to aspects such as these."

QUALITY
"We have prepared to the best of our ability for this game, down to the smallest detail, and we will try to do our utmost to get the desired result. We are thinking only about the Derby and how we can win. To do so, we will also need to take risks. We have our game plan and we will try to execute it tomorrow with strength and energy, putting in a quality performance, which is fundamental to win these types of games. With respect to Inter, we are not afraid of them and we will show that on the pitch."

GOING BACK TO REGGIO EMILIA
"Too many long balls, too many errors both technically and in terms of movement. Too frantic, on a team level, not an individual level. Tomorrow we will have to do better, and we can. I have a strong squad at my disposal".

TRANSFER WINDOW OVER

'We have a shared vision: to invest in talented youngsters and prospects. We have gone in that direction, confirming the rest of the group almost en bloc, important players with ample room for improvement. The arrival of some players is leading me to think about some possible tactical solutions. We are quite crowded in some areas, but it will be an intense season and we will need everyone: the players always give me great availability. Dest? He has quality and pace, we got him to play the full-back position but he has the right characteristics to play in other roles too. Vranckx is a midfielder who combines quality and quantity, he has talent and is perfectly suited to our team".

THE PRESENCE OF REDBIRD

"The owners will be at the stadium tomorrow, they will probably meet the team. I met Cardinale, he made me very enthusiastic. Elliott has brought Milan back to the top and the new ownership has the same ambitions: we are in good hands".

THE INDIVIDUALS

"We are gutted for Florenzi's injury, he is a leader on and off the pitch. We're still evaluating how to proceed in order to manage his recovery in the best possible way. Origi is better but he will certainly start on the bench because he has only just returned, he is available and he is a very important player for us. De Ketelaere when we have the ball is a player to look for, while in the non-possession phase the objectives change to try to be as compact and aggressive as possible. I have never been worried about the possible departure of Leão, I have always seen him fully involved and determined. Giroud is important, he has a crucial role, and memories of the Derby aren't the only thing pushing him on. Ibra is always ready with us."

FORZA ALE!

"We are gutted for the injury, he is a leader on and off the pitch. We are still evaluating how to proceed in order to manage his recovery in the best possible way."

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