Stefano Pioli confirms he feels ‘emotional’ on the return to San Siro, as AC Milan followers hailed the Fiorentina coach, and explains his uncommon tactical decisions.
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
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That is inevitably not a standard fixture for Pioli, who spent 5 years with this as his dwelling, profitable the Scudetto in 2022 and marking it with a tattoo on his arm.
Additionally it is particular as a result of tomorrow will likely be his sixtieth birthday and the Milan followers are nonetheless singing the traditional ‘Pioli’s On Hearth’ chant.
AC Milan followers nonetheless admire Pioli
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Stefano Pioli supervisor of ACF Fiorentina seems to be on in the course of the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photograph by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Pictures)
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“I knew that I might really feel emotional right here, as what we skilled collectively on this stadium was distinctive. Nevertheless, I want to remain targeting my crew, as I really feel we are able to get one thing this night,”
The Viola are already feeling intense strain after a disastrous begin to the marketing campaign, scraping solely three attracts and as many defeats in Serie A.
Surprisingly, he has left Albert Gudmundsson on the bench, beginning Jacopo Fazzini, Nicolò Fagioli, Rolando Mandragora and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia collectively.
“That is the thought, so as to add an additional midfielder and restrict Milan’s assaults, so offering us with somewhat extra cowl, then as soon as we get the ball again, with a bit extra high quality to push it ahead. These are the alternatives we labored on all through the break for worldwide obligation and the way we’ll begin this match.”
UDINE, ITALY – MAY 25: Moise Kean of Fiorentina on the finish of the Serie A match between Udinese and Fiorentina at Stadio Friuli in Serie A on Might 25, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photograph by Timothy Rogers/Getty Pictures)
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Moise Kean has shaken off a knock sustained on worldwide obligation with Italy and can begin, leaving solely Tariq Lamptey, Amir Richardson and Christian Kouame on the therapy desk.
“It’s true Moise had this sprain, however he has been coaching with the crew, is in fine condition and we’re not operating any specific dangers. We additionally produce other robust strikers who we are able to name upon in the course of the match,” concluded Pioli.