Stefano Pioli says Milan did a better job of managing their numerical superiority against Slavia Prague, securing a 3-1 victory over the Czech side. Goals from Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Rafael Leao helped the Rossoneri advance comfortably to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Speaking with Sky Sport Italia, Pioli shared his thoughts on the match and the positives he’s drawn from the performance:
“Undoubtedly, we managed the numerical superiority better than in the first leg. Once again, we capitalized on this advantage to control the game effectively,” Pioli remarked. “Facing an 11 vs. 11 situation would have been more challenging, but we would have found spaces to exploit regardless.”
Reflecting on Milan’s current form, Pioli expressed satisfaction, stating, “We’re in a good moment. It’s positive to see three different players contributing goals. We need to perform well against Verona, which will be a tough match. Then, we have a break to recharge our energies. The two rounds we’ve progressed through might have seemed easy on paper, but they weren’t.”
Looking ahead to the Europa League quarter-finals, Pioli acknowledged the level of competition, noting, “Now, there are eight teams that can win the Europa League, and we’re among them. I appreciated the gesture from the club for reaching a hundred victories. It’s crucial to remain focused on our current tasks and what lies ahead.”
Pioli also analyzed Slavia Prague’s playing style, observing, “They move a lot with eleven players, pushing their full-backs forward. They made a similar choice to Rennes with Bourigeaud. We anticipated this with Leao playing as a striker. They’ve only lost one game all season and have won the league three times in a row. Perhaps they don’t have players of the highest technical level, but they’re well-coached and well-prepared. Roma lost here.”
Delving into individual performances, Pioli praised Leao, stating, “He has the potential, and it depends on him. He possesses experience, maturity, quality, and strength. I hope he remains mentally strong to maintain this approach to games and be decisive.”
Assessing the state of Italian football, Pioli remarked, “I believe the gap has narrowed, although European powerhouses still have different financial capabilities. The surprise is Inter’s elimination, considering they are among the best teams in Europe. We’re not so far behind.”
