PIOLI: "ROMA ARE A WELL‑ROUNDED TEAM"

The Rossoneri started 2023 with a win in Salerno, and it’s almost time for the next one: at 20:45 CET on Sunday evening, the team will finally be back on home turf as they look to pick up another victory, this time against Roma. On the eve of the showdown at San Siro, Coach Pioli held a press conference to discuss the main talking points, and his words were broadcasted on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch.

THOUGHTS ON VIALLI
"With Gianluca I played in the Under 21s and we often faced each other as opponents. The year 2023 has not started well because we have lost a champion of sport and life, a generous, proper person with unique values. It's so sad and we send our condolences to his family and loved ones".

ROMA
"They are a strong and complete team, they combine organisation with attacking qualities and physicality. They have achieved great results and we will respect them. We will have to be determined, we return to San Siro with enthusiasm and energy. Up front Zaniolo has great potential, he is technical and physical, he exploits depth while Dybala prefers to play between the lines. We'll have to counter them and limit them effectively, they score a lot from set pieces".

UNAVAILABLE AND RETURNING PLAYERS
"Tomorrow we'll be the same as in Salerno, I hope in the coming days to recover other players. Kjær had some problems at the World Cup, he's improving his condition. Calabria is a very strong player, he's intelligent and solid in his play. Davide is certainly a complete and important player for us, we are happy with his return".

INDIVIDUALS AND THE CALENDAR
"Olivier is very well, physically and mentally. The next few weeks will be very demanding, so I will need everyone. The most important game is tomorrow, then from game to game we will make our decisions. De Ketelaere is well and ready, I'm relying on him. Vranckx and Thiaw have chances to play in every single game, they are available and ready. I believe that in this moment having continuity in the team is important."

ON THE SCUDETTO
"We're only looking at ourselves, we have to put a run together. We know that to win the Scudetto we need a lot of points and a lot of wins, but let's start with tomorrow's game. We must and we want to show on the pitch what we know we can do to try and win games".

THE GOALKEEPERS IN THE SQUAD
"As far as Maignan is concerned we have no schedule for his return, we're evaluating with the staff from time to time, we don't want to take any risks. Mike has our support and a great desire to return. I spoke to Devis Vásquez this morning, he has personality and enthusiasm. Today he trained with his teammates and we'll see how to manage him for the next matches'.

TONALI AND LEÃO
"Sandro is making huge strides, he's a midfielder who can do everything, he knows how to fit in in the set up. He is becoming a great player and will continue to grow because he has so much will and determination. Rafa has to play like he did in Salerno, he had a quality game, helping the team throughout. He has improved a lot and he has to continue like that."

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