PIOLI: "IMPORTANT FOR SEVERAL REASONS"

The Milano derby, the redemption derby, the pride derby. The derby, full stop. The season and in particular, the league, awaits a hugely significant AC Milan v Inter fixture. On the eve of the game, Pioli spoke in a press conference at Milanello ahead of the important match scheduled for Monday 22 April at 20:45 CEST, at home.

THE DERBY
"Pride, redemption, belonging, responsibility, all good terms to describe the game that awaits us. Because of the league table, the Europa League exit, and for the fact that they want to win the Scudetto in this game, we have a big opportunity. A victory would be important for several reasons".

HEAD-TO-HEAD
"I have a lot of faith in my players, they know how important the game is. The more you play and gain trust if you understand how to stay in the game, it will be fundamental not to give away chances at the start like we have done in recent derbies. We had high expectations in the fixture earlier this season, then we weren't able to overcome some obstacles during the game. As far as the tactical choices go, we are open to every option".

THE EUROPA LEAGUE
"In the two games against Roma, we weren't able to play at our level, especially in terms of quality and energy. They were two balanced games, they had more determination in specific moments. We didn't know how to react to being put in trouble, it was a error for which we paid dearly and tomorrow we cannot allow ourselves to make the same mistakes. Maximum focus is required".

MOTIVATIONS ON THE PITCH
"We will need to play an exceptional game, we come off the back of five consecutive defeats against them and they have always given us problems. They deserve to win the Scudetto but we need to do everything we can to ensure it doesn't happen tomorrow. We have worked hard in the last few days, we are totally focused on best preparing for the game".

COACH AND SQUAD
"I ask my AC Milan to win and do well from now until the very end. After seven wins on the bounce, we didn't play as we could have done, we need to give it our all and do so until the end of the season. Journalists and fans have the right to criticise, tomorrow there will be 70 thousand fans spurring on AC Milan, nothing else matters. The squad shouldn't play for me, but for the fans and to honour the shirt. I want to give everything as I have done since my first day, I have been given a lot and I still feel like I have a lot to give to this team. Work is the only verb I know, we will try to win every game from now until the end and then we will see".

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