PIOLI: "IT'S AN IMPORTANT CLASH"

AC Milan are aiming for continuity and, after their wins over Hellas Verona and Cagliari, are set to face Maurizio Sarri's Lazio at San Siro. This big clash on matchday seven in Serie A provides an opportunity to pick up more important points and finish September in the best way possible. Stefano Pioli held a press conference today to talk about the match, with the Rossoneri Head Coach having the following to say at Milanello:

TOWARDS AC MILAN v LAZIO
“Lazio are very strong, their team have known each other for years and they have an excellent coach: it will require attention. Lazio are a difficult opponent, to be respected, to be countered only by giving our absolute best. I’m expecting a completely different game compared to the Cagliari game, Lazio will be aggressive and take us on: it’s up to us to find the best solutions.” 

THE TEAM
“We are doing well and we want to build on this in order to compete in the league and the Champions League. We have been through both positive and negative points, but we have always remained balanced. We aren’t perfect but tomorrow we can put in a great performance to beat a top opponent. I am convinced of the quality of my players, we have to move forward with conviction and generosity. The Derby was not the end of the journey, but rather a new start, a new season began after the break: we want to and we have to grow. There are still many games to go, playing a lot can be a good thing; in the meantime, we’re only thinking about Lazio.” 

THE LEAGUE
“The standings don't count right now, the important thing is to approach and perform each game well. In my opinion, there will be four teams fighting for the Scudetto and Juventus are my favourites because they aren’t playing in Europe which is a big advantage. We aren’t taking anything for granted but nothing is impossible: it depends on how you approach the various matches.” 

ATTITUDE AND FORMATION
“We want to control the match, but this doesn’t mean slowing down the pace. We committed a serious blunder in Cagliari, conceding from a throw-in. It is good to manage but we must continue to be dangerous, moving the ball when the opponents move. 4-2-3-1? I am thinking about it because Pulisic is fit and we have five or six options in midfield. Then Loftus-Cheek I like as a Mezzala. We will need some tests, at the moment we are working on something else, but 4-2-3-1 over the course of a  game is an option.” 

INDIVIDUALS
“Adli had patience and strength, I had spoken to him and told him that there is more competition in the Mezzala roles. He could still play as a Regista, which he worked hard on. He is already doing very well but there are some aspects to improve upon. I expect Leão to be more and more accurate with his passing. I wanted to test Okafor from the start as a forward, he worked impeccably and he deserved to score against Cagliari. Reijnders and Loftus-Cheek are giving us lots of options. Bennacer is better, recovery is still a long process but he will be getting there towards mid-October. Chukwueze understands our principals well, he is important but I expect him to be more decisive in the final third. Musah is a valuable asset, in several roles. Pellegrino is working well but it will take time.” 

COMPLIMENTS
"The path the Club is on is wonderful: healthy finances, ambitious sporting results." 

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