PIOLI: "WE WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF HOME ADVANTAGE"

From Champions League to Serie A, always at San Siro. After the Derby, another big home match awaits the Rossoneri: AC Milan-Napoli. Preparation is in full swing at Milanello and on the eve of matchday 7, Coach Pioli spoke in a press conference. His words were broadcasted live on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch. 

THE SAN SIRO CROWD
"The supporters' backing is of the highest level, we're taking lots of energy from them. Playing at home in this period is a great advantage and we want to make the most of it tomorrow evening, too".

THE GAME WITH NAPOLI
"Napoli have many talented players and an extremely capable Head Coach, who is able to set up his team with a clear identity. They've started the season really well; tomorrow, each team will have its own plan. We are both similar teams, who try to move the ball around and play with an attacking intent. I'm expecting a tough match, we're facing a side who is well-organised, technically good, but also has fight and personality". 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GAME
"I consider it title-winning match because the league will be so tight that three points could make the difference come the end of the season.Every game for us is a title-deciding one, we must have this mentality before every game, but obviously the season is long. There are many teams equipped to do well and win, even the so-called "small-medium" sized clubs are getting stronger".

THE ABSENCE OF RAFA
"I don't want to take away the quality and important of individual players, but our most important characteristic is playing as a collective, as a team. It's not important who's missing tomorrow but the spirit and playing style that we put out on show, we have several solutions. Leão is a person who is open and demanding, he knows he must never settle for second best. I have already decided how we'll set up tomorrow, the absence of one player shouldn't change anything to our organisation".

ON SPALLETTI
"I think highly of him. He has always made a mark on his teams. We know each other well; many years ago, I followed some of his training sessions when he was at AS Roma. He is able to improve players, which is a great thing to have". 

RECOVERING ENERGY
"We have a few players out but 25 players are available so we are fine from this point of view; Napoli are also coming into the game on the back of a Champions League match. The level of opposition increases and our performance has to to make that step up accordingly. We've prepared to give a great performance. It will be a game with lots of battles all over the pitch".

INJURIES AND THE DEFENCE
"We won't get anyone back who wasn't available for the last game, I hope to have some good news during the break. Krunić is well, but he still needs to get back to full fitness. II'm not liking the goals we're letting in goals when we have more players back than the opposition - like against Dinamo Zagreb - we can do better in these situations. We need to pay more attention, especially around our penalty box".

ON THE NEW ADDITIONS
"Pobega has quality and physicality, as well as hard work and sacrifice for the team.I'm pleased with his progress: he's an exceptional guy, who bleeds AC Milan. I'm also happy for Adli, Thiaw, Vranckx and Dest. They don't need to rush themselves but they are doing everything in their powers to convince me".

The PUMA AC Milan Kits for the 2022/23 season are available: get yours now!