The Rossoneri coach spoke at the press conference on the eve of the big match: “Lazio is strong, difficult to face.”
Milan returns to the field tomorrow at 6 pm against Lazio. San Siro hosts one of the most eagerly anticipated and interesting clashes of the seventh Serie A matchday. Here are the words of Rossoneri coach Stefano Pioli on the eve of the match:
What Lazio do you expect in this match?
“Lazio has been playing together for years with an excellent coach and has recognizable playing styles, with great speed and quality. Regardless of their current form, they are a strong team.”
What do you fear about Lazio?
“They will be aggressive; they prefer to close the spaces well. We’ll need to pass a lot and avoid their pressure, knowing that they also like to keep possession. Lazio is a well-rounded team that needs to be faced with caution.”
How is Chukwueze?
“He knows well what he needs to do, and he did it in Cagliari. From someone like him, we also expect goals, but he is growing.”
Adli?
He showed great patience and mental strength because he didn’t play much before the game against Cagliari. I told him that he would remain in the role of a defensive midfielder, alongside Krunic. We know he can’t be perfect in that position yet, but with his willingness, we can do an excellent job.
Too much criticism after the derby?
“When the schedule was released, I didn’t look too far ahead. I focus on preparing for each individual game. We try to do our best, but then again praise and criticism are part of our job.”
Pioli on the league table and the favorites to win the Scudetto this year
“Being at the top doesn’t matter at this moment; what matters is the desire to do well and interpret the matches to the best of our ability. There are no easy games, but everyone can be defeated at the same time.
The Scudetto?
“Four teams will compete for it, but Juventus is the favorite. We have our say as well, we feel that we are in good shape, and we want to find the right consistency to perform well in the league and in the Champions League. The derby wasn’t the end of our journey, but a new beginning.”
