SARDEGNA -- The tactician Stefano Pioli warned AC Milan to be wary of the surprises that could be presented to his opponent Cagliari in the 30th week of the Italian Serie ALiga 2021/2022 at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Sunday (20/3) early morning WIB.

"Cagliari was able to reduce Napoli, the atmosphere there is clearly very challenging. We have to be very, very focused and only think about winning this match," said Pioli confirmed by Italian Football, Saturday (19/3).

Milan temporarily leads the Serie A standings with 63 points, three points ahead of Napoli and four points more than city rivals Inter Milan.

When comparing the potential opponents, Milan is clearly the favorite to win. However, one note that cannot be missed is that the Rossoneri are always struggling and even frustrated when challenged by lower-tier teams.

The conditions were different when Zlatan Ibrahimovic and colleagues met the top six clubs. Milan's steady performance against a big team was inversely proportional to when it met a small team.

The proof, Milan fell in front of Spezia 1-2 and was held to a 1-1 draw with Udinese and Salernitana 22. Besides the 1-3 defeat against Sassuolo on 28 November.

For this reason, Pioli did not want his team to slip again and wasted the opportunity to widen the distance with Napoli's two closest rivals, and Inter.

"We continue to work by keeping our concentration to stay calm. The team feels good mentally so I'm sure we will keep going. It's just that we have to keep improving in order to be more competitive," continued Pioli.

In addition to the problem of the downfall of Milan when it met the bottom teams. Regarding the productivity of their front lines, they also continue to be questioned. Because, i Diavolo Rosso was only able to score three goals in the last four matches in all competitions.

"We needed a goal to win, the team has a lot of players who can score and even the details of the difference," said the former Fiorentina coach.

Cagliari's graph is declining after losing in the last two matches. The history of the meeting against Milan is also not in favor of the Sardinian team.

In 36 clashes against the Red Devils, the Isolani have won just one game with eight draws and 27 defeats remaining.

On the other hand, MilanNews reports that Sandro Tonali has returned to the team after previously suffering from a fever. Also, Tiemoue Bakayoko also returned to the i Diavolo Rosso squad.

However, Tonali is doubtful since the early minutes with the midfield position to be filled by Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer.

Another good news is about Zlatan Ibrahimovic's fitness condition which is claimed to be steadily improving. Pioli explained the Swedish striker could have played the game off the bench.