PIOLI: "THERE'S LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL"

Coming into the game following two successive wins, this Sunday's match grants the Rossoneri a chance to continue a recent run of good form. However, it'll be no easy task. After picking up six points against Parma and Bologna, we're now preparing to face Sassuolo on Sunday at 15:00 CET at San Siro on the Club's 120th birthday. On the eve of the encounter, Coach Pioli today held his pre-match press conference at Milanello, streamed live on the Official AC Milan App, Facebook and Milan TV.

SASSUOLO
"The match against Sassuolo is another great opportunity and we must seize it. I'm not looking at the league standings, even if it's not where we want to be. Could a victory reopen the discussion on qualifying for Europe? Focusing on winning is enough. Sassuolo play good football with a good degree of quality for Serie A. We want to take the game to them. We'll need full focus and solidity right from the off. Berardi is strong and fast, but there’s also Caputo and Boga. The team staying at the hotel? It was at my request. We worked really well during the week at Milanello. After lunch, we'll meet back up in Milan in the evening and this will mean the trip is shorter."

THE CLUB'S 120TH BIRTHDAY
"We’re not like other clubs, it's an honour to take part in a day as important as tomorrow. We have the chance to honour AC Milan's history by putting in a performance worthy of AC Milan out in front of our fans, who've never been lacking in their support. The more they support us, the stronger we are. Over the course of history, AC Milan has meant winning and great organisation - the very best, an example for everyone else. I hope to do well, I have great enthusiasm."

THE TEAM
"Everyone needs to have the desire to do well up until the Christmas break and to finish the year well. There's light at the end of the tunnel, but we haven't got out of it yet. If we want to shine, we need to keep pushing. The team are growing in many aspects, both in terms of their fitness and technical levels. Our mindset is more positive now, I'm very pleased with the team when it comes to the commitment, desire and professionalism they're displaying. However, we still need to improve. We need to play as a team to get the best out of individuals, have clear ideas, develop and piece together the small things."

THE TEAM AND INDIVIDUALS
"If I go with the same team that played against Parma and Bologna it'd mean that the players I've selected are in excellent condition and have worked at the maximum levels during the week. Bonaventura is an important player with great qualities. Paquetá is feeling fine and also has great qualities, I’ll see if I play him. Caldara is available even if he's not feeling 100% fit, he's got up to speed while playing for the Primavera. Leão has great potential but time is needed to showcase and develop this. He's someone who moves a lot up front and is working to improve. Çalhanoğlu is a good and important player: for me, he's not just a winger and he needs to play across the board."

TRANSFER WINDOW
"There’s time to make evaluations, the transfer window is in January and still a long way off. For now, I’m very happy with my players. Discussions are taking place with the Club on a daily basis, we’ll see. At the moment, it’s too important to concentrate on the present."

Remember that tickets are on sale for the home matches against Sassuolo, Sampdoria and Udinese. Buy your ticket now! See you at San Siro!