Milan's upcoming Serie A opponents are Fiorentina and hat-trick scorer Dusan Vlahovic, coming after the defeat at the San Siro to Manchester United on Thursday in the Europa League. Coach Stefano Pioli spoke in the pre-match conference about the rossoneri's status as they prepare for the upcoming trip to Florence: "The team reacted poorly after the Europa League match during the Friday session, but today in training I saw signs that we'll finish the season strongly. We faced a challenging moment, but it feels like we're past it. In recent matches I have seen positive things, I expect a great finish to the season."
"Zlatan responded well to playing Thursday and tomorrow he is available from the start. He is a critical player for us, he gives us so much. I really liked his comments after elimination, we must always give a maximal effort. There are 11 games left, we are in the thick of the fight, and we must try to win every game. After the break I am sure that we will respond strongly."
"Calhanoglu? Covid and injuries have kept him from being 100%, we are trying to get him back to the condition and I think he will be soon. Bennacer is doing well, this week he worked at a high tempo for the first time. I don't think he'll be available to start but he could be available as a substitute."
"Vlahovic has grown a lot, I have always rated his desire. He always works a lot and he is set to improve, because he has great potential. It doesn't make sense to compare him, that can look bad, he is Vlahovic and he must continue to do well, maybe starting in the next match."
"Difference between Milan and the great teams in Europe? The great teams are fully aware of their principles of play and are not thrown off by anything. We want to get to that level and return to being a winning team, but for that it will take several difficult seasons in the interim."
