Stefano Pioli expects a tough match for Milan against an ‘organised’ Lazio that has ‘great attacking potential’.
The Rossoneri currently sit second in the Serie A table after 33 games, one point behind league leaders Inter. A win over the Biancocelesti is a must for Pioli and his squad as they cannot afford to drop any ground following the Nerazzurri’s comfortable 3-1 win over Roma yesterday.
Speaking in a press conference (via MilanNews.it), Pioli first discussed the atmosphere in the dressing room and the impact of the fans.
I feel like saying that our fans have already won the Scudetto, they are the best. They pamper us, they motivate us, they give us energy.
Having so many of them tomorrow can only give us an extra boost. It’s not so important how the team feels after the derby, it’s what we want to do tomorrow that counts.
He spoke highly about Lazio and touched on his team’s injury troubles this season.
We’re up against a team with great attacking potential, with Immobile the main man. We have to put in a high quality performance, we’ll have to dribble well to find space.
All the injuries we had until mid-season meant we couldn’t rotate. What we did up until a minute ago counts for nothing, we’re focused on tomorrow night.
The Italian coach highlighted that Milan will look to keep Sergej Milinkovic-Savic contained.
Milinkovic-Savic’s quality is an asset for Lazio, that’s true, we’ve always worked on him with a midfielder with certain characteristics and we’ll be able to do that tomorrow as well.
He looked back at his time with Lazio.
A great first year, Lazio played great football. As a coach the only regret I have is the second year at Lazio in which I didn’t manage well some dynamics that I would manage differently now.
The Milan coach spoke about what it means to play against Maurizio Sarri.
I expect a team of quality, well-positioned. They defend by attacking forward. He’s a very prepared coach.
Finally, Pioli discussed what kind of Lazio he expects in tonight’s match.
A Lazio that will look for depth for Immobile with the insertions of offensive players. An organised team with quality.
