Stefano Pioli is preparing for Milan’s first Champions League match of the season as the Rossoneri welcome Newcastle United to the San Siro on Tuesday night. Milan need to respond after being embarrassed 5-1 at the hands of Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on Saturday.
Speaking with Sky Sport ahead of the Newcastle encounter, Pioli has said he is disappointed about the derby defeat but is looking to quickly move on and focus on Tuesday’s match. He also shared his thoughts on Sandro Tonali, who is facing Milan for the first time after leaving over the summer:
On the derby: “It’s normal that we had expectations, but the result and the performance were not what we expected and there is a lot of disappointment. We have immediately started thinking about tomorrow’s match, experiences have taught us that nothing is impossible, we are Milan.”
On the team: “Responsible, united and strong group. We live with these emotions: the disappointment is strong, but we are aware that it is the start of the season and tomorrow we have the opportunity to demonstrate that we are not those of the derby. I didn’t have the need to intervene, we have the chance to have a good season.”
On the Champions League match: “Playing the Champions League is exciting in front of our fans, we know the environment we will find”.
On Tonali: “I will hug Sandro before the match, he has given us a lot and we have grown together. I wish him the best in the next match.”
