Stefano Pioli says if Rafael Leao is fit, he’ll play for Milan against Inter in the Champions League semi-finals. There have been doubts about the Portuguese winger’s availability ahead of Milan’s biggest game of the season to date: A Euroderby against city rivals, Inter. Speaking ahead of the match, the Rossoneri head coach addressed speculation over Leao’s fitness but also warned about the difficulties his side face against a resurgent Neazzurri team who have won their last five matches in a row:
Can the spirit from Rio Ave be useful?
“Yes, the spirit of the team has never failed. Of course, we also need quality, attention and determination.”
How is Leao doing?
“He worked on the grass, tomorrow he’ll try to push and then we’ll see. If he’s good, he’ll play.”
Are you taking risks with Leao?
“I’m going to bed peacefully tonight. Rafa and the doctor will inform me of the player’s conditions. If Leao is fine he will be called up, if he is not well he will not be called up.”
Given the history against Inter, is this semi-final the most difficult or the most beautiful match?
“Definitely more difficult because it’s a semi-final of the Champions League, but it’s also great to play certain matches. The lads must be happy to experience certain moments. Tomorrow is only the first match, it’s a match played over 180 minutes.”
Are Inter favourites?
“For others they are the favourite, we want to give it a go. We have eliminated Tottenham and Napoli, we can play it against everyone.”
What will you ask of your team?
“In the Champions League we haven’t had ups and downs, we’ve had a great journey. We want to overcome the last step to reach the final, the motivations are at their highest.”
How will Milan change without Leao?
“Every coach aims to play with his best players. Leao has unique characteristics, if he doesn’t make it we’ll play with players with other characteristics.”
How important will San Siro’s contribution be?
“We expect a packed San Siro with great energy. We will try to take this energy and put it on the field from the first to the last minute.”
Could Leao even play as a starter?
“If tomorrow’s test goes well, he can play, if it doesn’t go well, he can’t play. I would have done this test today, but we played on Saturday and so we have to do it tomorrow.”
Might Saelemaekers be better on the left than the right?
“I’ve often used him in training on the left and he’s always looked good. He has excellent characteristics, we’ll see what choices I’ll make tomorrow.”
