“Bad luck exists only for those who feel unlucky.” Stefano Pioli doesn’t want an alibi, but he probably can’t wait for this “terrible” week to end. Because on the eve of the match against Verona, after having had to manage the injury of Maignan, that of Messias and the absence of Theo Hernandez, the news arrives of the positivity of Brahim Diaz at Covid. Milan lose pieces every day, fundamental men for the game and the balance of the team. The goalkeeper, the winger and now the attacking midfielder, the player who made the most evident leap in quality in the squad. “We have to grit our teeth in the face of difficulties and demonstrate our qualities in overcoming them.”
The Rossoneri coach does not want to feel sorry for himself but what AC Milan has to face is a real undertaking. The rest of the team underwent a swab with negative results but if Pioli does not want to talk about bad luck, it can be said that the blindfolded Goddess seems to have turned her back on the Rossoneri team. It is the umpteenth show of strength of a young Milan that seems forced to grow too quickly. Against Verona, Daniel Maldini could play the starter instead of Diaz. Giroud will return to the field, while the verdict on Ibrahimovic will only be known tomorrow. “Ibra? He’s better. At the beginning of the week he worked on an individual level, then for two days together with the team. Tomorrow morning training will be very important – explains Pioli – and we will decide if he will be called up. The thing that matters is that his condition is growing. Giroud made good use of this stop. Finally he is free from low back pain and tomorrow he is certainly available ».
Difficult to get training indications from Pioli. It confines itself to confirming the obvious and that is the presence from 1 ‘of Tatarusanu. «Tomorrow he will play, he is the only one I can assure you will be the starting player. He is appreciated by all and ready to take advantage of this opportunity. Mirante needs an extra week of preparation. It is not ready to play. I am grateful to the club, because a reliable goalkeeper and a great professional arrive ». Honey words for two experienced goalkeepers but suddenly thrown into the fray. The absence of Maignan is probably the most difficult to manage, he who managed in a few weeks to make Donnarumma’s farewell less bitter and give tranquility to the environment with his saves. “Unfortunately, these are uncontrollable situations. We are sorry but we saw him again yesterday and he showed great positivity and the conviction of wanting to return as soon as possible. We have faith in Tatarusanu and the team must also be a team with different characteristics »warns Pioli.
Maignan’s long balls will be missing at the end of 2021. But in the meantime there is Verona, an opponent not to be underestimated. «Since Tudor arrived they have achieved four positive results and scored nine goals in their last three games. He is an opponent similar to Atalanta – analyzes Pioli – and a match of technical quality and energy will be needed ». Gritting your teeth against adversity.