PIOLI: "CONVINCED OF THE TEAM'S POTENTIAL"

Salernitana v AC Milan is our final away day of 2023. The Rossoneri are looking for three points at the home of the Granata to bolster their position following the victory over Monza and give the fans an early Christmas gift. Stefano Pioli discussed the game in his press conference. Here's what he had to say:

THE AC MILAN FAMILY
"I think there is a need for me to emphasise the unity of the group: this applies to all those here at Milanello and the people who make up the "invisible team" that allows us to work with real quality on a daily basis. They deserve our thanks because they help us to grow every day."

TRIP TO SALERNO
"Against Monza, we went with a three-man backline to protect Kjær and deal with the opposition attack as best we could. We've been trying to find the consistency we had at the start of the season for a little while now. We're now coming up against a side in the form of Salernitana who have frequently changed things around in recent matches. It'll be a difficult game, one where we'll have to display the qualities we have. In order to increase our chances of winning, we'll need to be aware of what we and our opponents can do. They often mix it up in attack, but we'll take to the pitch in the most suitable way. We need to play the game as if it was our last opportunity; this doesn't just apply to them."

IBRAHIMOVIĆ
"It's a different role for Zlatan, who is very curious but also determined, motivated and happy. He's an asset and an added value for me, the team and the whole Club. He's a symbol of those who challenge the challenges, and his presence can only help us."

BENNACER
"I hope that Isma has more than 60–70 minutes in his legs. He's now in better shape and will start in Salerno, and he'll remain on the pitch for as long as he has the energy needed to help us. As regards his national team, we're not the ones who decide the calendar. If he accepts the call-up to play for Algeria, he'll take part in the Africa Cup of Nations, and the same applies to Chukwueze. Then, it'll be up to us to find solutions."

INJURIES
"I don't write a medical bulletin. We're still in an emergency situation that we want to normalise as much as possible. We're working to return to normality: we have a busy few weeks ahead of us, and the aim is to get as many players back as possible. We're working on certain situations, especially on an individual level, to improve everyone's condition. After the Coppa Italia and before the Europa League, we'll have three weeks to carry out different workloads."

INZAGHI
"Pippo made history with AC Milan. He gave a lot to the Club, won many titles and entered the Rossoneri fans' hearts. He knows that it's normal to experience difficult moments in our profession. I wish him a lot of luck, even if we'll be opponents tomorrow and are looking to get the better of one another."

JANUARY ON THE HORIZON
"The Club is willing to intervene in the market, it knows what our needs are. Time-wise, it's difficult to make assessments."

CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE
"I know what I'm doing, who I'm coaching and who I'm dealing with. I'm absolutely convinced of the team's potential. There is a good chance that this season will turn out more satisfying than it has been so far."

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