'Milan setback in Serie A won't affect Tottenham trip', says Pioli

2023-03-08 11:55

'Milan setback in Serie A won't affect Tottenham trip', says Pioli


AC Milan will not be affected by the weekend's Serie A defeat in Wednesday's Champions League last -16 second-leg tie against Tottenham Hotspur, coach Stefano Pioli says .


The Italians beat Tottenham 1-0 at the San Siro last month but suffered a setback in Serie A when a 2-1 loss to Fiorentina ended their four-game winning streak in all competitions on Saturday.

" It's a different story compared to Fiorentina, but compared to the first leg, " Pioli told a news conference on Tuesday. " I expect a different attitude from them ... Tottenham will probably try to attack more than they did at the San Siro. "

The visitors got a boost with forwards Brahim Diaz and striker Olivier Giroud both set to play after rejoining the squad for training on Tuesday.

" They've all done a good job, all 24 players can play from the start and then I'll make my choice, " Pioli said.

'Milan setback in Serie A won't affect Tottenham trip', says Pioli

Diaz and Giroud's London trip in doubt

Diaz missed Fiorentina's game with a knee problem, while Olivier Giroud missed Monday's training due to flu, with both players' trips to London in doubt, according to reports in Italy.

Tottenham Hotspur's Italy boss Antonio Conte will return to the touchline on Wednesday after missing a month with gallbladder surgery, which Pioli said will help his side.

" The presence of a coach is important and I speak from personal experience. Conte is an added value and apart from him we will find a very motivated opponent, " he said.

" Tomorrow is a game of personality. From an attacking point of view, our opponents are strong.

" They're going to play hard and we have to be ready to control the game better. We have a small advantage but we can't think about controlling it, " he added.