AC Milan Ends The Wait Since 2007, Pioli Ogah Thinks About The Possibility Of Meeting Inter In The Champions League Semifinals
JAKARTA - AC Milan made sure to qualify for the semifinals of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw against Napoli in the second leg of the last eight at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Wednesday, April 19 in the morning WIB. This result made Milan lead the aggregate 2-1 because in the first leg they won 1-0 over their compatriot rivals.
Olivier Giroud put AC Milan ahead with his goal in the 42nd minute before Victor Osimhen equalized for Napoli during the second half injury time.
In the semifinals, Milan will face the winner of the Inter Milan vs Benfica match. Milan derby has the potential to occur in the semifinals if Inter can get rid of the Portuguese representative.
However, AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli didn't want to think about that possibility first. He insisted on celebrating Milan's achievements to reach their first Champions League semi-finals since 2007.
"I prefer to enjoy this passing, whatever happens, let it happen," Pioli said after the match, as reported by Live Score.
"Whoever passes, it will be a great semi-final of the Champions League," he continued.
The top four matches will mark Milan's seventh semi-final in the UEFA main club competition, the most with Juventus since changing the name of the Champions League in the 1992-93 season.
"Another big step has been taken by this team," added Pioli.
"I thank the club for helping us and I am delighted for the fans who helped us overcome difficult times with their support."
Lineup of players
Napoli (4-3-3): Alex Meret; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani (Leo Ostigard 74'), Juan Jesus, Mario Rui (Mathias Olivera 34'); Tanguy Ndombele (Eljif Elmas 63'), Stanislav Lobotka, Piotr Zielinski (Giacomo Raspadori 74'); Matteo Politano (Hirving Lozano 34'), Victor Osimhen, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Rade Krunic, Sandro Tonali; Brahim Diaz (Junior Messias 59'), Ismael Bennacer, Rafael Leao (Alexis Saelemaekers 84'); Olivier Giroud (Divock Origi 68')