PIOLI: "WE WANT TO SHOW WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT"

The build-up to Roma v AC Milan has begun. On the eve of this important fixture on matchday nine in Serie A, Coach Pioli held his pre-match press conference after the team had put the finishing touches to their preparations. This is what the Coach had to say prior to the Rossoneri’s departure for Rome.

ON THE PAST WEEK
"I’ve seen desire from the lads. I think it’s been a good week of work. We need to display all that we’ve done out on the pitch. There’s the right feeling at Milanello and we want to demonstrate that we can do well."

ON THE MATCH AGAINST LECCE
“We need to think with our heads in certain situations and understand when we need to manage the ball and when we might need to commit fouls. This is what we need to improve on quickly."

ON THE TEAM
"We’re a cohesive and united group, we’re working to achieve important results. Being a team means sacrificing yourself for your teammates and having clear ideas. We need to be more positive and analyse our strengths and weaknesses, but we mustn’t go overboard."

ON ROMA
"We’ve prepared well. Roma have only lost one game up to this point, they’re a strong side. I expect them to be very determined. It’ll be very important to go toe-to-toe with them. The starting eleven? The best possible team will play tomorrow."

YOUTH
"Youngsters are those who were born from 2000 onwards. Gigio was born in 1999 but has played more than 100 matches in Serie A, he’s a leader. This team has been built to do well, we’re not inexperienced. I’ve seen a lot of professionalism and commitment. In our first match, we did a lot of positive things, but there were also negative aspects. I want to see improvements tomorrow."

MIDFIELD
"Bennacer likes to get the ball forward. He has good quality, I like him. He’ll get his chance soon. I’m counting on him a lot."

ATTACK
"Leão and Piątek have different characteristics and can therefore play together, we just need to find the right balance. Starters are important, as are those who start from the bench."

INDIVIDUALS
"Çalhanoğlu is a quality player. I was pleased with how he played in his position and his intensity during the match against Lecce. Rebić? He can do better, he has the quality to able to play well. Caldara? He still not in perfect shape, he had some problems with his tendons yesterday. I hope that I’ll have him available as soon as possible. Suso? He’s in good shape physically, so while he’s performing better than his teammates he’ll play. This applies for everyone. Paquetá? He did well without the ball but on the ball I expect him to be a more enterprising player who can have a greater impact. We’ll need intensity and good work throughout the game."

SCHEDULE
"We have to show our merits in every match. I’m not worried about the schedule, we’re only focused on tomorrow’s match. It will be tricky, but we have the quality to perform well."

OBJECTIVE
"At this point last season AC Milan were in fourth place so we’ve got to roll up our sleeves. Our objective is to win everything, then at the end of the season we’ll take stock of our situation."

THINGS TO IMPROVE
"The fact we didn’t win against Lecce showed us that there are a lot of things to improve on."

ON MALDINI’S COMMENTS
"Everyone here knows that the Club has certain ambitions. None of us want to wait ten years. Maldini made some clear statements explaining the current situation. We are AC Milan and tomorrow we want to play with conviction."

Remember that tickets are on sale for the home games against SPAL, Lazio and Napoli. Buy yours now! See you at San Siro!