We need points to show that the derby is already an archived issue. The draw with Newcastle was a first demonstration of character but the regret of not having obtained a victory is great. And now with Verona success is a must. "For us there is only the game with Verona, an intense and aggressive team. It is important to approach well and get back to winning the three points", explains Stefano Pioli in the press conference presenting the match. "Winning is always important, there are no easy games but only the desire to interpret it well". And there must be the right attitude from the whole rose. Because Milan will change its face tomorrow, giving a little rest to those who were forced to work overtime between the derby and the Champions League. "I'm making choices to win. Everyone is buzzing and it's right - comments the coach - then there will be the possibility of changing in the race. Those who play less must grit their teeth but we will play so much that there will be room for everyone. The team is fine, they are convinced of what they are doing and they want to play the right game tomorrow." If Jovic is still not ready to play because he is not at his best, Pioli could try Okafor instead of Giroud even if French is easily enlisted.
"Giroud? He is very well, he is an important player but he must be managed in these situations and he will have to be managed. He has no physical problems," Pioli clarifies. Out Maignan after the problem remedied in the Champions League even if he should return at most within Lazio. "Maignan is better, luckily he didn't have any muscle injuries, it's just a fatigue. It is clear that playing so close he risks missing two games, but maybe even just one. Let's see day by day. Kalulu has a small injury, I don't think he will be there for the next three games." Leao will probably be regularly on the field. The Portuguese is essential for Milan. It is he who shifts the balance, who builds the most dangerous opportunities. Except for sinning a bit of pride or simple naivety, looking for too much dribbling, as with Newcastle. Pioli, however, sends the criticism back to the sender, patience is needed, roughing up an obvious talent and avoiding blaming a single player for the result. "Leao is making an important journey and is doing everything to transform himself from a great player to a champion. It has to handle some game situations better. It is clear that its responsibilities are increasing, but it is becoming more mature. You don't have to give too much responsibility to a single player. We reason that a mistake is everyone's mistake." Mistakes, however, can no longer be made. Now, in addition to performance, points are needed.
Probable lineups
Milan (4-3-3): 57 Sportiello;42 Florenzi, 28 Thiaw, 23 Tomori, 2 Calabria; 80 Musah, 33 Krunic, 14 Reijnders; 11 Pulisic, 17 Okafor, 10 Leao (83 Mirante, 69 Nava, 7 Adli, 8 Loftus-Cheek, 9 Giroud, 15 Jovic, 18 Romero, 19 Theo Hernandez, 20 Kalulu, 21 Chukwueze, 24 Kjaer, 31 Pellegrino, 32 Pobega, 95 Bartesaghi). All: Pioli Disqualified: none Beware: none Unavailable: Bennacer, Kalulu, Caldara, Maignan
Verona (3-4-2-1): 1 Montipò, 27 Dawidowicz, 6 Hien, 23 Magnani, 5 Pharaohs, 18 Hongla, 33 Duda, 8 Lazovic, 90 Folorunsho 26 Ngonge, 11 Djuric (34 Perilli, 22 Berardi, 2 Amione, 42 Coppola, 32 Cabal, 24 Terracciano, 20 Saponara, 25 Serdar, 38 Tchatchoua, 31 Suslov, 13 Cruz, 77 Mboula, 99 Bonazzoli). All: Barons Disqualified: none Beware: none Unavailable: Henry, Doig Referee: Maresca di Napoli Snai odds: 1,37; 5,00; 8,50.
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