AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ante Rebic will not be involved in the match against Inter on Saturday evening, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Speaking during his press conference ahead of the Derby dell Madonnina, as has been reported by FCInter1908, the Italian coach confirmed the absence of two forward players and said Fikayo Tomori could make the bench for the Rossoneri.
“Ibrahimovic and Rebic will not be there. Tomori, on the other hand, did a great job, I don’t think for the beginning but he is still available.”
Stefano Pioli admitted that Inter are having a great season so far but he has confidence in his players to turn the situation around very soon.
“Inter are on a great journey, the numbers say so. It is equally true that we have had a decline, but I have a group that, I am convinced, can still do very well.
“It is a very important game that it is worth a lot, for many reasons: it would give great confidence and strength, we know that it weighs a lot. Giroud is a player of international standing, he is ready.”
When asked whether Inter are the favourites to win the match, Stefano Pioli backed his side to give the Nerazzurri a difficult match.
“Inter the favourite? They won the championship and is still proving to be very strong. We are strong and we are able to put them in difficulty. The team that has most quality and wins the most duels will win.”
The game against Inter represents an opportunity for AC Milan to close the gap down to one point, even though Inter will still have a game in hand after the Bologna suspension.