PIOLI: "A LOT AT STAKE AGAINST LECCE"

After the special night at the Maradona, AC Milan are ready to dive straight back into league action, as Baroni's awkward Lecce side are the visitors to San Siro, in what is a vital match for the Rossoneri as they look to put points on the board. Coach Pioli held a press conference to preview matchday 31 in Serie A, scheduled for Sunday 23 April at 18.00 CEST.

LEAGUE PERFORMANCE
"We have the chance to finish this season well in the league because the team is doing well and the group is together, there are eight games left, five of which at San Siro: we have the quality to finish in the right way. The important thing is to stay focused on the things we can control".

MOTIVATIONS
"Regaining motivation is easy, the Champions League is locked away and now we reopen the league campaign: our position in the standings is not where we want to finish, but judgements are still partial for everyone. What we have done so far counts for nothing, the most important game is tomorrow'"

AFTER NAPOLI
"I spoke with all the players, there was a lot of excitement because we overcame a very strong opponent and it filled us with energy and enthusiasm: we'll have to be good at carrying that into the match against Lecce, a team that gave us a hard time in the first leg".

PLAYERS AVAILABLE
"Zlatan has been called up, he has a limited amount of time in him but he is fine and will come with us. Giroud, on the other hand, won't be there as he has a calf tendon problem which has been a bit tiring in the last few games. Pobega took a knock in training and we'll see if he can recover".

PROBABLE LINE-UP
"I have watched the players very carefully over the last few days, they all seem to be doing well and I have plenty of choice. I will field the best team and also try to have a few alternatives that can be used as the game progresses".

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM LECCE
"Starting the game well is very important, it is complacent to think we can close it immediately, it will be a game where energy, enthusiasm and confidence will be needed throughout. We play a lot and so do they. We face a very direct team, which is dangerous away because it starts with more speed than anyone. We'll have to be good at keeping the ball and doing well in preventive situations".

THE SCHEDULE
"It will be my job to manage the players' strengths well and try to maintain the right level of intensity in all league games. After Roma, we will do everything possible to field the best formations to score as many points as possible. And we'll need a lot of them because destiny is not in our hands now, and with words you don't score points".

CALABRIA'S PERFORMANCES
"We have all had difficult moments, like the one in January, and it is important for us to know how we overcame them, that is, by working. I have great esteem for Davide because in the period when he played less he behaved like a true captain, on the pitch he has an incredible intelligence".

AC MILAN'S SECRET
"In these three years, everyone around the team has been together with desire and enthusiasm: team, staff, management, fans. The secret is the compactness and quality of the players".

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