Pioli says Milan need ‘clarity’ against Roma and explains midfield selection

Ahead of the deciding clash between AC Milan and Roma at Stadio Olimpico this evening, Stefano Pioli spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on the task. As the Giallorossi have a 1-0 aggregate lead, it will not be easy for the Rosoneri. 

Pioli’s men lost the first leg at San Siro after conceding on a corner, and failing to make the most of a great chance in the dying minute. As such, they have a very difficult task on their hands tonight as they need to overturn the 1-0 deficit at Stadio Olimpico.

Speaking to Sky Italia, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli shared his thoughts on the difficult task and what is needed from Milan this evening. He was also asked about the XI decisions in midfield, with a usual starter on the bench.

What are you feeling right now?

“Great concentration and motivation. We did everything we had in mind, in terms of preparing for the match to face it in the best possible way, now we need to play it well.”

What are the mistakes to avoid?

“Having the right timing when closing down and pressing when we are aggressive, we don’t have to press just to press. We don’t have to force plays because we have to win the game, but we can win it with the right clarity and the right moves at the right time.”

Have you prepared a counter-move to El Shaarawy on the right?

“We try to be unpredictable. In the first leg, they accepted numerical parity, if they do it again tonight we will try to win more duels than them. In the first leg, we weren’t so effective in the duels.”

Why Musah?

“Because I believe he has the right characteristics to start the match, give us dynamism, aggression and moves into open space. I chose him, like all the others who will be ready to lend us a hand.”

On Leao…

“Today the team must play well. If the team plays well, all the individual qualities are facilitated and they can put all their qualities and characteristics on the pitch, including Rafa.”

The manager has made several changes to the XI, as expected after the heavy rotation against Sassuolo. However, Tijjani Reijnders starting on the bench certainly wasn’t expecting, with Yunus Musah taking his spot in the midfield tandem.