Stefano Pioli is hopeful of beating English Newcastle
A success over the English would secure the Devils at least a place in the Europa League: "We only think about ourselves, we have only one chance. We have to win and I know we will do everything for that. We know what awaits us, what type of opponent and environment will meet us. My biggest match? This year, yes. We've worked really hard, we understand the importance of this match and being in Europe. We all expect to play a great match: only Liverpool and Dortmund have lost in this stadium, we know it will be difficult. Foil when going through a corner? Let's leave him alone," were Pioli's words. In the event of failure, in addition to a premature farewell to one of the goals of the season, the club from Via Aldo Rossi will also have to deal with the coffers: having reached the semifinals last season, AC Milan collected a bigger farewell in the group stage this year will cost already 57 (over 100 if you add more than 50 million for qualifying for the 2025 Club World Cup). "I played at St. James' Park, it will be a warm atmosphere: it's an important match for us and for them, we have to be ready and we can't wait to prepare for such a match", Pulisic said. The rossoneri coach will rely on Leao's talent to achieve this feat: "Rafa is healthy and ready to play from the start".
Even a win may not be enough for the Italians
Newcastle (UK), December 13, 2023 - All in ninety minutes. Stefano Pioli's Milan tonight at 21:00 (below live news and results), Stefano Pioli's remaining hopes of a move to Newcastle > Champions League 1/8 finals. Predictions for this match and others can be found on Azscore, you can also find Laliga news here! Even a win may not be enough for the rossoneri who, to continue their journey in Europe's top competition, need to also hope for a knockout victory for Paris Saint-Germain against Borussia Dortmund ( LIVE from 21:00), the only team from Group F already in the direct elimination phase. "I told the team that we have only one goal," explained Stefano Pioli at the conference on the eve of the match, "there is only one possibility - to win this match. We know what kind of opponent and what kind of environment will be waiting for us.
Everything will be decided on the pitch
This is the first real crossroads of the season. We have already played many matches of this level, but I think this is the most important one. We know how important this match is, as well as the importance of being in Europe, so we all expect to play a great match against a very difficult opponent who have only lost at home to Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund. Without a doubt, the most positive news for the rossoneri is the return of Leao from the first minute after a muscle injury suffered in the championship against Lecce a few weeks ago. back : "Rafa is fine," said Pioli, "and ready to play, and from the start". However, Newcastle will be without Ibrahimovic, who effectively became the new coach of the rossoneri as of Monday.
Ibrahimovic debut as a senior adviser
Ibrahimovic's debut as a senior advisor will not take place tonight at Newcastle, but tomorrow at Milanello, as soon as the team returns: it seems to be in The fact is that Zlatan does not want to distract his entourage from the decisive match against the Magpies. His first official personal meeting is scheduled for Sunday at the San Siro against Monza: however, the Swede has started his new job and among his tasks is also talking to Stefano Pioli, which he confirmed yesterday at a press conference that he has already spoken to Ibra. "We spoke yesterday. He has always been a top player, he has had intellectual problems. It will definitely be an added value and a resource for the whole club," the rossoneri coach said.
