The Rossoneri coach comments on the win against Napoli: “We are almost matching Inter’s levels. Now, focus on Rennes, a decisive challenge. Rafa and Hernandez are crucial.”
Pioli started 2024 with a big smile. And he has a reason, Milan’s last defeat dates back to December 9th, with seven wins and two draws since then. The victory against Napoli was a significant one, marked by teamwork, grit, and clarity, with a thrilling finish and two old friends reunited: Leao providing the assist, Theo scoring and enjoying it. Now, Juventus is just one point away.
“In the last month and a half, we’ve been performing almost at the same level as Inter,” Pioli said after the game. “They are having an incredible season. Let’s see what we can achieve.”
For Milan Rennes in the Europa League and Monza in the league are the next opponents. The third place seems a certainty for now. “It is an important win, but we need to work on our defensive phase and be more careful about certain aspects.”
On the injury front, the most delicate case concerns Calabria, who exited due to a muscle problem. “Bennacer was a bit tired, having played in the Africa Cup of Nations and needed rest, while Calabria had a groin issue. We’ll have to assess him, we’ll see. Now the focus is on the Rennes match; we need to be competitive and gain an advantage for the return leg.”
Keeping a clean sheet is crucial, especially after conceding seven goals in the last three games: “We’ve had several discussions in recent weeks; we need to be less eager to press high immediately. It was a balanced and organized Milan; we need to have more confidence and strength. Our goal is to perform well.”
The last point is about Theo and Leao, the goal-scoring heroes: “With the quality and pace they have, they are essential. On the wing, they understand each other, and they even kiss. In fact, I kiss them too when they score.” Pioli smiles. Then he praises the Frenchman: “Theo has played some games as a center-back out of necessity. Last year, he struggled to overcome the disappointment of losing the World Cup, but this year I’ve found him much more positive and proactive. He’s becoming a leader. He doesn’t speak much, but he is one. The games where he played as a center-back have shown him how attentive and aggressive he can be.”
