AC Milan Vs Rennes: Stefano Pioli's High Motivation In The Europa League

AC Milan is highly motivated against Rennes in the Europa League. (X/@acmilan)

JAKARTA - AC Milan had to play Europa League play-offs in order to get tickets to the last 16. Coach Stefano Pioli stated that Milan had high motivation when facing Rennes in the first match which was held at the San Siro Stadium, Friday, February 16, 2023 in the morning at 03.00 WIB.

Competing in Europe's second caste does not mean Milan will walk easily. Yes, Milan fought in the Europa League after being ranked third in the final standings of the group stage.

Milan, who is in Group F, which is a deadly group, finally ranked third behind Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Newcastle United were eliminated after occupying the bottom of the standings.

Pioli said that the competition in the Europa League is no less difficult than the Champions League. But the Rossoneri, according to Pioli, are highly motivated to beat Rennes.

"The matches in European competitions are always difficult. We have to learn a lot about Rennes. They are a team that has a very neat game organization. They have quality and often play vertical balls. We have to be careful against them," said Pioli.

"So far, Milan have never won the Europa League. This provides extra motivation for us. This match will be important for both teams," he said again.

Pioli admits that there are not a few players who have never previously played in European competitions. For players who have joined since last season, of course, they have only just experienced the Champions League.

However, Olivier Giroud et al were able to survive until the semifinals before being eliminated by Inter Milan at the Derby della Madonnina.

"Many players have made debutants in European competitions over the past few years. So, we will give our best in this match," said Pioli.

"We have big ambitions and want to survive until the end. Rennes is a good team. The French Ligue 1 is indeed different from the Italian Serie A. The teams play with high intensity and technique," he said.

In that match, Milan was still not strengthened by Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu, and Davide Calabri. They are absent because they have not recovered from injury. Meanwhile, Rennes without Enzo Le Fee and Fabian Rieder.

Forecast Of AC Milan's Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Florenzi, Kjaer, Gabbia, Theo Hernandez; Reijnders, Musah; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud

Rennes (4-4-2): Mandanda; G. Doue, Wooh, Theate, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Matusiwa, Santamaria, D. Doue; Terrier, Kalimuendo