JAKARTA - AC Milan will host SK Slavia Prague in the first leg of the last 16 of the Europa League 2023/2024 at the San Siro Stadium, Friday, March 8, 2024, early morning WIB.
The meeting between Milan and Slavia Prague was the first time this had happened. However, both teams were able to touch the strength of each opponent.
The Rossoneri deserve to be vigilant considering Slavia Prague appeared slick throughout the Europa League group stage.
The club from the Republic of Ceska won Group G with a record of five wins and only lost (15 points) once. Slavia Prague's only defeat occurred against AS Roma.
Stefano Pioli, Manager of AC Milan, is well aware of the quality of his opponent. Moreover, Slavia Prague is quite experienced in the Europa League because it can penetrate the quarter-finals in 2018/2019 and 2020/2021.
"Slavia Prague only lost to Roma in the group stage. They are an energetic team. They play with three forwards, all close together, and like to threaten from behind."
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"They have strong and physical attackers. Their head coach is very good because he often changes things, but still maintains a high level of performance."
"The players and they have reached the quarter-finals (Erupa League) twice in recent years. We respect the opponent," Pioli said on the club's official website.
Although Slavia Prague became a serious stumbling block, Milan had great motivation in the Europa League.
The Rossoneri consider the Europa League as the last chance to win trophies this season.
They have stopped in the 2023/2024 Champions League group stage due to only being in third place and being thrown to the second level of the European tournament.
What's more, they had difficulty pursuing the 2023/2024 Serie A Scudetto title and were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia 2023/2024.
"The Champions League is no longer part of our journey. Now, we have to focus on performing well in this tournament."
"We have to have a mindset that we can win trophies. First, we need it to be the best to get through this round and take step by step, even with awareness and enthusiasm."
"We have to make the best use of our advantages as hosts. This is an important period of the season because it is not easy for anyone to get through it, to be competitive in Europe and in the league," Pioli said.
Milan's big motivation was supported by their slick game in Serie A. Pioli's team managed to get back up and get back on the positive track.
Most recently, they beat Lazio 1-0 after losing 2-4 to Monza.
"We didn't play in our best technically at the Olimpico. However, we showed great character."
"The only game that makes us disappointed is against Monza. It's just that, in recent months, the team has continued to rise and reach a certain level. The decisive part of this season is in our hands. We are ready to face it," said Pioli.
These various factors make AC Milan clear above the wind. Not to mention they acted as hosts.
Pioli is also supported by the complete squad. He will continue to rely on Rafael Leao who is considered to have the qualities of determining and distinguishing.
Leao answered Pioli's trust. The Portuguese player could lead the team's attack well even though he didn't score a goal.
This means that Leao's contribution is very important for Milan when they host Slavia Prague later.
"The quality of my players, who have made a lot of progress in Europe, must make a difference. We have developed and have the ability to go far, but we have to prove it."
"I try to be clear to everyone. My job is to make decisions and I put the team's interests above all else," said Pioli.
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