Inter-Milan, Pioli: “A derby that weighs. Without Ibrahimovic, but we will be strong”

The umpteenth crossroads corresponds to the umpteenth enterprise. To be done without several key players, trying to come up with some tactical device capable of shuffling the cards, hoping that some element a little subdued will find vitality. In short, nothing new under the Milanello sun for Stefano Pioli. Who has done many businesses in two years, but this would obviously have a special value. On the other hand, he said it too, after the draw with Juve. Derby won: Milan back in the running for the Scudetto. Derby not won: let’s watch our backs, which is wiser.

Confidence

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“We are fighting for the very high ranking and this is the important thing – said Pioli at the conference -. It means being competitive. With Juve we had determination and quality but we missed a bit in the last few meters, skills that we will have to find tomorrow. It is a game that weighs a lot because it is a derby and because two teams at the top of the table face each other. Inter are following a very important path, with great continuity, we have had a decline and I hope that we have not yet been able to give our best. We can still do a lot of good. Winning would give you great confidence, positivity and strength and three important points. Unfortunately Ibra and Rebic will not be there, while Tomori has done a great job and will be available, even if I don’t think from the beginning. Is this my first derby without Ibra? Sorry, we have grown a lot with him, but now we have to show that we are strong even without him. And anyway Giroud is an international striker, he has great maturity, presence and is ready ”.

Shared choice

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In short, confirmed the problems imagined on the eve, with a practically obligatory attack and with the baby Lazetic just arrived the only alternative forward. As always, Pioli does not allow himself to be caged by bad thoughts. “We need the willpower and the spirit that have distinguished us in the delicate moments of the seasons. I continue to be positive and confident towards the team, because I know the potential of my players. No one came from the market and it was a shared choice because the right situation was not created to hire someone who would improve us so much. So we have chosen to focus on our men, whose qualities we know. Those who believe in their goals must push hard. And I am convinced that we are competitive. I am sure that my players will play this game well, even going beyond their limits. Our goal is to improve last year’s score ”.

“Leao, the time has come …”

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Without Ibra, the whole Rossoneri world pushes Leao above all, and Pioli does not shy away: “It is right to always expect a lot from him, he must be even more convinced of how strong he is, and he must be even more decisive. The time has come to prove it. Lazetic? He has a beautiful face, available and willing. It seems to me that he already has a strong character and with the aim of becoming a great footballer. He has great physical means combined with excellent technique. Tomorrow he will be with us and he will begin to understand what Italian football is and what it means to be at Milan ”. While Pioli will understand … what to do based on the result of the match: “A game like this deserves a foil, I might have something in mind. But I will reveal it to you only later “. To understand what it is, it will obviously be necessary to witness a winning AC Milan.