Pioli on Leao-Mbappé comparison, new Pulisic role, gap between Serie A and EPL

Milan coach Stefano Pioli insists Serie A is ‘not too far-off’ from the Premier League and admits he’s contemplating beginning Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze in opposition to Lecce.

Milan will host Lecce at San Siro on Saturday, however the Rossoneri will probably be with out the injured Malick Thiaw.

Their upcoming league fixture will come simply 5 days earlier than the Europa League quarter-final first leg in opposition to Roma at San Siro, however Pioli insists his gamers are solely targeted on Lecce.

“We’re in good condition for an vital a part of the season,” the Rossoneri boss stated at a press convention, as quoted by Milannews.

“We’re solely targeted on tomorrow’s match; if there are modifications, it is going to be due to what I’ve seen this week or as a result of anyone has had minor points, or Loftus-Cheek’s suspension. We’re not serious about the Roma sport, and we’ll have time to recuperate by Thursday. Proper now, it’s too vital to keep up continuity in our outcomes. I’ll line up the perfect staff.

“We now have already received 4 consecutive matches however by no means managed 5. Lecce haven’t but conceded with their new coach and so they precipitated hassle for Roma, so we’ll want a superb efficiency,” continued Pioli.

“Will probably be a troublesome sport, Lecce are in form, they’ve recovered stability, and so they have quick gamers in assault, however now we have the standard to regulate the sport.”

Rafael Leao impressed Milan’s 2-1 in Florence final week with one aim and one backheel help, prompting his teammate Alessandro Florenzi to say that the Portuguese can change into a mixture between Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.

“Florenzi likes to set the bar excessive. Rafa and I speak rather a lot. Even yesterday,” stated Pioli.

“It’s a key second of the marketing campaign and Rafa is in glorious form. I’m actually proud of him and he is aware of he can nonetheless enhance in sure conditions.”

What Pioli stated about Pulisic and Milan’s ways in opposition to Lecce

Given Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s suspension, Pioli will probably be compelled to select a brand new attacking midfielder in opposition to Lecce. Though Ismael Bennacer is among the many candidates to fill that spot, Pioli admitted that he’s contemplating beginning Leao, Chukwueze, and Pulisic with the American star who would predictably change place and transfer in the direction of the centre.

“It’s an answer we’re evaluating,” stated Pioli.

“I’m delighted with Chukwu. My collaborators confirmed him some movies immediately, and the stats we collected within the final three video games are even superior to these from his time at Villarreal. He’s match, bodily and mentally, he should proceed like this. He has vital traits for the assault.”

What Pioli stated about Camarda’s future and the hole between Serie A and EPL

Pioli was additionally requested for updates concerning Francesco Camarda’s future, as he has but to signal his first skilled contract with Milan.

“I don’t know, I received’t reply to those kinds of questions,” the coach replied.

“I perceive you do your job, speaking in regards to the future, however we should deal with the current as a result of it is just by means of performances that we’ll construct a future worthy of Milan.”

Lastly, Pioli replied to a query in regards to the hole between Serie A and Premier League.

“The Premier League is intense, however truthfully, I don’t suppose Serie A is simply too far-off, even when Italian golf equipment can’t afford the identical investments as English sides.”