PIOLI: "IT'S IMPORTANT TO FINISH STRONG"

It's been a long season, which comes to a close in front of our own fans. AC Milan, who have already qualifed for the Champions League next season, host Hellas Verona on the final matchday of Serie A 2022/23. Ahead of matchday 38, Stefano Pioli gave his final press conference of the season. Here's what he had to say:

THE MATCH IN HELLAS VERONA
"Tomorrow we have to beat Verona because we are AC Milan, because we will play - once again - in front of over 70,000 fans and we could also become the second team with the most home points after Napoli. We don't need extra motivation, we have a duty to finish the season in the best possible way. The standings are always important, we absolutely want the three points even though Hellas Verona will be highly motivated. We have to give it our all and stay focused on ourselves".

A BALANCED SEASON
"We did not manage to win a trophy, we had a great Champions League journey and a season with sufficient joy. We left something behind but, in the end, it remains a positive season from which we will learn a lot. Throughout the season I never had any doubt that my players believed in our game, I always had faith in my team. Only a strong and determined group could lift a season that was delicate at times".

RAFA'S RENEWAL
"Congratulations must be given to the club and management for Leao's renewal. It is a very heartfelt contract extension for us but I have always been confident because I knew the wishes of the Club and the player. I have a good relationship with Leão, as well as with the whole team. Rafa has always shown potential, a desire to improve and has great talent, he just needed time and his story is still to be written'.

ON IBRA
"I'm sad that Zlatan won't be available for tomorrow, he's in no condition to play. I've spoken a lot with him over these past few days, what his future will be will be decided by him and the Club."

TRANSFER MARKET
"I will meet with the management shortly, we will discuss and evaluate how to improve the team. Brahim Díaz is a strong player, he has grown a lot but I have not spoken with him about the future. Strong and intelligent players will have to come from the market, age does not interest me. Considering Bennacer's long injury, we will evaluate how and where to bolster that area of the pitch as well. De Ketelaere - probably - will go to the Under-21 European Championship with Belgium, all other evaluations will be made later.

FAN SUPPORT
"I want to thank the fans, they have been exceptional, especially in difficult moments. They have always supported us with their passion and energy, tomorrow we will try to bid them farewell in the best way possible - that is with a victory.

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