AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has stressed that form is not important when it comes to matches like the Derby della Madonnina that takes place on Saturday evening, according to a report in the Italian media.
Speaking during his press conference ahead of the match against Inter, via FCInternews, Stefano Pioli paid homage to the old football cliche that form goes out of the window when it comes to a derby game.
His side are one point behind the Nerazzurri coming into the match at San Siro but he thinks it is what happens on the pitch that matters.
“It doesn’t matter how you arrive at certain matches, but how you play on the day. We have prepared ourselves at our best.”
When asked if Inter are stronger than last season, he refused to offer any specifics and focused on how many teams will be fighting for the title.
“It will be a balanced championship with many teams playing for the final victory. Tomorrow there will be two teams on the pitch that know each other well. The derby then is always the derby, I expect a match with great duels. Whoever wins more duels will have a better chance of winning the match.
“I see a balanced match and the phases could make the difference. We must have our identity, carrying it forward during the match regardless of what happens; we are working on it: we have our ideas and our way of playing.”
Romelu Lukaku is set to be injured for the match and will play no part. Stefano Pioli stressed that they played against Inter without Lukaku last season too.
“Last year we played against an Inter team without Lukaku. They will prepare as carefully as we did. It’s a derby, an important direct match. They will face two teams who want to win, it will be a battle. Tomorrow even an inch can make the difference.”
