PIOLI: "IT'S TIME TO REDEEM OURSELVES"

After Lille in the Europa League, the setting is still that of San Siro: the Rossoneri are set to host Hellas Verona on matchday seven in Serie A, the last game before the international break. Coach Pioli previewed the match at a press conference at Milanello. Here's what he had to say:

AC MILAN V VERONA
"Tomorrow’s match will be complicated, it’ll provide an opportunity to demonstrate our strength. We need to be attentive, determined, selfless and solid. We’ll be up against a team that are building on their excellent season last year, and they have a coach who is well-prepared. I’d also like to send my best wishes to Hellas Verona’s president Maurizio Setti, who has tested positive for COVID-19. I wish him a quick recovery."

THE ROSSONERI’S FIRST DEFEAT
"We didn’t want to lose, but we paid the price for our performance levels dropping, and this happened against the wrong opponents. Lille are an excellent side and are unbeaten in a league whose strength is underestimated. Nevertheless, we didn’t give a lot away until they made it 2-0. We need to do better on a technical level and be more composed when making choices. The quality is always high in the Europa League and you risk paying the price for even the smallest of mistakes."

BOUNCING BACK
"We’ve analysed the negative aspects and need to be ready to redeem ourselves, such defeats can be useful. We’re all heading in the same direction, and we all want to make amends and display our worth and ambition. We mustn’t forget the path we’re on and need to continue to work and grow. From a physical point of view, we’re doing well. We need to manage things in the best way possible because we’ll be playing many matches in close succession. The team are disappointed but motivated."

INDIVIDUALS
"Romagnoli? In football, criticism and praise are often overdone. Unfortunate incidents can happen, but he remains the captain and a leader within the team. I don’t have any concerns about Hernández, he’s a point of reference in all the moves we put together and is performing well. Hauge has some great characteristics, there’s competition for places in that position but he’ll certainly lend us a hand. During the summer, Castillejo had a more complicated time of things compared to other players, he’s working to get back to his best. Ibrahimović is constantly in the team because his condition allows him to be. Rebić still isn’t fully fit and isn’t ready to start, the international break will be important as he looks to return to optimum condition. Tonali? Patience is required, the important thing is to show willingness and spirit. On Thursday, he was up against an excellent opponent in the form of Renato Sanches."

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