AC Milan defeated Tottenham 1-0 in the first leg but boss Stefano Pioli demands that his players don’t sit idly in the second leg
Pioli warned Milan players of the danger of having a slender lead over Tottenham poses. Rossonerri managed a 1-0 win at home against Tottenham in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
Pioli admits Conte’s presence will be a boost to Spurs
If AC Milan manage to get into the quarter-finals, it will be the first time since the 2011-12 season that they manage to do so. Which is why Pioli has cautioned his players ahead of their Wednesday match against the North London side.
“Tomorrow is the match of personalities,” Pioli told reporters at his pre-match news conference. “Our opponents are formidable from an offensive point of view, they will play with great intensity.
“We must be prepared to control the game more. We have a very small advantage but we cannot think of managing it. We must attack and play with intensity.”
“We expect a loud stadium, just like San Siro was“
Pioli is expecting a great atmosphere in north London, though is confident his team can focus on the task ahead of them, saying: “We expect a loud stadium, just like San Siro was.
“But the crowd doesn’t score goals. We arrive with confidence, enthusiasm and determination.”
After removing his gallbladder, Spurs boss Antonio Conte spent five weeks resting at home but the former Inter Milan manager is back again on the sidelines. Pioli believes that is a huge boost for Tottenham.
“Antonio Conte’s presence on the bench will be an added value for Tottenham,” Pioli added. “But beyond Conte, we will find a highly prepared and motivated opponent.
“Both teams want to go through this round. Tottenham will probably try to attack more than at San Siro. We have to watch out for particular moments.”
