MILAN – Alessandro Mastalli spoke to the Milan Channel yesterday ahead of this weekend’s play-off with Empoli. Should the Rossoneri overcome the Tuscans, they would qualify for the final-8 of the national championships:

“Winning is what counts in one off matches, that was our aim versus Sassuolo last week, and we achieved it. We’re very pleased. The sign of a top team is one that can pick up results in tough moments; we all have to battle together and work hard for one another and that was on display last week. We have an established side and we have to keep on this track and we have to always play with this type of spirit. We go into the next match with Empoli ready but fully aware of the dangers they pose. We have watched a few videos, also of their last game with Lazio. They are without doubt prepared, but so are we and it will certainly be a great game. Let’s see what happens. It’s a blow to be without Crociata and Felicioli because they are two players that have made the difference this season, but we are a top squad and whoever comes in will do well. We will also try and win for them because they deserve it for everything they have done this season. Every coach has his ideas and a different character. Coach Nava is helping us a lot in the defensive phase and this is an advantage for us, because in these kind of games it’s vital not to concede. The training methods and ideas have been the same for many years and it won’t change, because that is the Milan model and we have to keep it going. I struggled a bit at the start, but I got my fitness back and it’s also thanks to my team-mates who gave me a great welcome, so I thank them and the staff, although I deserve some of the credit seeing as I am trying to go into every match in the best shape possible. All going well, we will have four games. They are vital for each player for this season but also with an eye on the next one. I have been missing a slice of luck in my efforts to get on the scoresheet, but my priority is the performance. I must say though that I haven’t scored at home for a while so who knows if it will happen in the most important game this weekend.”