PIOLI: "THIS FIXTURE IS WORTH DOUBLE"

The Rossoneri are closing in on their big match at Olimpico in Rome after getting past Lecce at home last time out. Important points, and much more, are at stake at the top end of the table in this fixture with the Giallorossi, which is matchday 32 in Serie A. On the eve of Roma v AC Milan, Coach Pioli previewed the game in his press conference from Milanello, live on Milan TV, YouTube and Twitch.

BUILD UP TO OLIMPICO FIXTURE
"It is a match that is definitely worth a lot. We have had three big matches in the last few games and the more points we get, the better chance we'll have of finishing in the top four, which is our goal."

ROMA
"They have a very solid, compact and organised defence. Going forwards they have players who are capable of producing at any time, and at home in 2023 they have almost always scored. Mourinho has created an intensity and a high level of play. We don't want to be influenced by them, we want to play our game. We know their abilities, and we don't want to think too much about the reverse fixture. We will have to be attentive to the situations where they are dangerous, such as set pieces."

INDIVIDUALS
"Oli is fine. He needed to take a few days off, but is available to play. Rafa has always been part of the project. In every season any player cannot be 100 per cent for 10 months, now he is well, and his good performances are providing enthusiasm, confidence and courage. We expect a lot from Leão, that's clear. Zlatan is a little better, we'll see how he gets on over the next few days. He won't be available, and neither will Pobega - he is feeling better than before, we hope it won't be a long absence - and Florenzi, who has had the flu in the last few hours, also won’t play."

NO REGRETS
"In every season, there are times when things do not go well, but we are still in a position to achieve our goals. We are focussed on Roma and claiming three points, but we know that it will be a tricky match, both physically and mentally. However, we are used to playing frequently and at a high level: I work with professionals who know how to recover from games, I hope we will be able to do so this weekend."

THE ROSSONERI FAMILY
"My players are like my children. I talk to them every day: a lot about football, but I also understand that they have to be listened to about everything that goes on in the life of young boys. Leão is the player who has spent the most time in my office over the years, so my bond with him is very strong."

VERSATILITY AND TACTICS
"Isma's position depends on the style of the opponents. We practise these situations a lot, but it is also the opponents who determine the spaces we occupy. Having versatile players is very important for us: for example, I know that Bennacer and Krunić can be moved around without any problems."

THE FINAL STRETCH
"The desire is there to finish the season well. Everything will be decided in these last games, so we have to step up in this final stretch: we have the qualities to do so. We have to prepare for each match individually and do our best on the day, we don't want to lose precious energy by worrying about things too far ahead. Now our focus is only on the match against Roma: the result will not decide the final table but it will have a big impact."

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