Stefano Pioli revealed his switch in tactics in Milan’s 1-0 win over Verona was a last-minute change before the game. The Rossoneri took an early lead through Rafael Leao, which proved to be enough to secure a vital three points after a disappointing week.
Speaking of the performance and result to MilanTV, Piolo revealed post-match that he tweaked things a little, going to a 3-4-3 lineup, as opposed to their usual 4-3-3 formation:
“Until Thursday, we had prepared to play with our usual system, then yesterday we found out that Calabria and Theo couldn’t start. So with a lack of full-backs, we decided to go with a back three. We worked on it for half a training session, but I think we were set up well.
“We tried to play good football. We were playing against an in-form side, a physical and an aggressive side, so we couldn’t always play slick football today.
“Kjaer and Florenzi? They are certainly leaders in this group, both when they play and when they don’t play as much. They are smart players who have been around for a while and know the mechanisms, as well as how to keep the spirits up. They are great players too, not just good people.”
“Leao? This is a good group, but one that can make mistakes. We have made mistakes and we will make more, but we will always support each other. We don’t do it with words but with a good attitude and with our actions. We all wanted Rafa to captain the side, he gave the response that was needed but we had no doubts.”
“Bartesaghi? I’m happy for him because he worked really hard with us in the summer. He got his chance and took it, he will get more.”
“The new lads are settling in well but the process isn’t done yet. At the end of the game, Tijjani and Yunus told me ‘Gaffer, it’s tough in Italy, it’s so hard to beat your man because they are so aggressive and physical’. These difficulties can be overcome, they will grow with every game. They need more time to understand the system.”
