Milan’s game against Roma on Saturday is “worth doubling down” as both teams battle for Champions League qualification, Rossoneri head coach Stefano Pioli says.
Milan have a crucial fourth place in Serie A, but only thanks to their superior goal difference, with Roma also 56 points clear of Saturday’s vital clash.
Pioli’s men head to the Stadio Olimpico, where the Giallorossi have gone seven times without scoring in their last eight league home matches and no other team in Europe’s top five leagues has scored more points since the start of the year.
Pioli acknowledged the importance of this match in his pre-match press conference, telling reporters, “We need to keep continuity in our performances so that the next match is the most important.
“Tomorrow’s match is worth doubly and we have to face it with the right mindset and convictions.
“It costs a lot. There are six games left after tomorrow. The more points we get, the more chances we have to get into the top four, which is our big goal.”
Getting ready for the top 4 six-pointers! #RomaMilan #SempreMilan
Presented @play_eFootball pic.twitter.com/KmIkTBefbY— Milan (@acmilan) April 26, 2023
Pioli was asked about his close relationship with striker Rafael Leao, who recently said his head coach is like his “dad” after scoring 22 goals in 41 appearances for Milan this season in all competitions.
“My players are all my children from morning to evening,” Pioli said. “Even when I’m at home, I think about them.
“I talk to them every day about football and other situations: they are lucky, but they have the problems of 20-year-olds.
“Rafa is the player who has been in my cabinet the most in recent years, so that’s the strongest connection.”