Here are the declarations of AC Milan Coach Stefano Pioli during his pre-match press conference at Milanello ahead of the Serie A Week 8 game against Hellas Verona on Saturday 16 October 2021 in San Siro.

VERONA AFTER THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK
“It was an unusual break. It was only yesterday that everyone was back, but I witnessed the right desire and participation levels. All of our international players returned in good shape. Tomorrow, we’ll be playing an important and difficult match: Hellas Verona have turned things around since Tudor’s arrival. We’ll need to be attentive and face them in the right manner, playing in a dynamic and composed way. They’re doing well and are aggressive, but they do give opportunities away. Our fans will give us an extra push.”

THE TEAM
“The team haven’t forgotten the excellent things they did in Bergamo. In certain respects, Verona resemble Atalanta. We’ll have to display technical quality and energy on a physical level. We need to take things one game at a time, thinking we can win them all. We need to play tomorrow’s game as if it were the last of the season. We want to grit our teeth and overcome our problems. Bad luck exists for those who feel unlucky, but our group is strong and united. We want to transform this this delicate moment into another positive opportunity to show who we are.”

THE LEAGUE
“We wanted to be where we currently are. We must only focus on ourselves; it’s still too early to look at the others. We’ll continue to press on, with not dropping points against the so-called smaller sides being just as important as matches against our direct rivals.”

INDIVIDUALS
“Ibrahimović is doing better: he returned to the pitch at the beginning of the week and has been training with the group in recent days. The final training session will be important. Then, I will speak with him and we’ll decide whether to include him in the squad or not, in which case it would be a major recovery. However, what really matters is that his condition is improving. Giroud overcame his back problem during the break and will be available tomorrow. Calabria is doing well and is available. Bennacer and Kessie are also doing well. Díaz is a little unwell and will have to be evaluated. Ballo-Touré has adapted and is now gaining confidence and belief. Krunić? His recovery is important: he had started well and is one of the players who has grown the most. He can also play as an attacking midfielder.”

GOALKEEPERS
“Maignan? These things happen. We’re quite disappointed, but we’ve already seen him again and there was plenty of positivity. He slotted in perfectly and will come back stronger. Tătărușanu will play; he’s a great professional and is much appreciated by the team. Mirante will need another week of work to be able to be included. I’m happy with his arrival because he is a professional player, and I must give thanks to the Club.”