PIOLI: "A WIN FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE"

An important and potentially decisive weekend. AC Milan are now ready to head to Turin to face Juventus in search of mathematical qualification for the Champions League. On the eve of Serie A matchday 37, the press conference of Stefano Pioli took place at Milanello. Here is what the Coach said ahead of the big match:

ROSSONERI APPROACH
"It's been a long time since we had a free, full week's training. We've used it to recuperate some energy and prepare the best performance possible. We're up against a Juventus side who are focused and determined, and along with Napoli have the best home record. There are only two games remaining, and we have to try and get fourth place or even better in the table: it's a massive game. We mustn't forget where we started from, but it's not the end of a cycle: win in Turin, and we'll be in the Champions League. It's not the right time to be talking about the transfer market, contract renewals or the future."

THE OPPONENT
"I'm certain Juventus will give their best possible showing, but we want to win to close all discussion and not go to the final game still needing points. We'll need to pay great attention in the full 90 minutes; they can hurt you in every moment. Against them at San Siro, we placed Theo in midfield to build up play; we can always think about different solutions. Defensively, they like to alternate between pressing aggressively or lying deep and holding their position. We'll look to try and take up positions that will allow us to be threatening and take control of the game. Juventus are very strong at set-pieces, so we'll have to be very aware in these situations."

ATTACKING MIDFIELD AND PLAYING PHILOSOPHY
"We'll play with Brahim in the central attacking midfielder role. He is a strong player who is giving us lots of solutions during games. He's grown a lot this season, and can still be even more decisive going forward by getting a few more goals. We will have to play positively from a technical point of view; we've had the chance to train and prepare for a high-level performance."

ON IBRA
"We've been so focused and concentrated on recent games that I've not yet spoken to Zlatan about his future plans. He is very determined in recovering from his injury. Next week, we'll see if he can get back on the pitch for the game against Hellas Verona."

ON LEÃO
"Rafa's development is constant and ever-growing. His approach has changed, especially his attitude, but he can still grow even more. He has everything to become one of the best players in the world, but to do that it needs to become an obsession in his everyday life. He's got it and it's his goal. He's a young guy, not completely formed from a footballing point of view, but his experiences this year have been very important for his development."

FANS FOR EMILIA-ROMAGNA
"I'm sorry to hear they won't be at the game, they deserve to be there. But they have shown to be truly special through a noble and important initiative that makes us very proud to have them as our fans."

FOCUS ON THIS GAME ONLY
"We can't know exactly how the games played before us go. All we know is we're facing a top opponent with great players and an excellent Head Coach. We'll need a high-level performance: technically, mentally and physically. The results from the previous day's games won't change our approach to the game. The future? No evaluations until the campaign has finished. We can still finish up second or sixth, so it's a waste of time to make evaluations now. The ambition and conviction is to win this game, and seal an important objective for the entire AC Milan world. What will make the difference is what we will need to show. We can show that we are a great team against Juventus. Here at AC Milan, we are used to thinking big and competing at the highest level. To do this you need to work hard and, above all, well. Then, only at the end of a season can it be assessed."

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