MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 24: AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli issues instructions to his players during the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round match between AC Milan and Bodo Glimt at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 24, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Pioli Backs Shevchenko Before Coppa Italia Tilt with Genoa

Milan have welcomed back one of their top players, as Fikayo Tomori has shaken off COVID-19 after missing two matches. Ciprian Tatarusanu has exited the protocols as well. The club has not confirmed it, but Davide Calabria, Alessio Romagnoli, and Samu Castillejo reportedly got infected and are currently sidelined. Coach Stefano Pioli held a presser today ahead of the Coppa Italia game versus Genoa.

“It is an opportunity to prove our quality. We have to do our best in every competition. Our first target is to win tomorrow. They are going through a sticky patch, so I expect them to be very determined. We will have to be ready.”

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be available tomorrow, so Olivier Giroud will start. He is nearing peak condition. Mike Maignan will be on goal, as Tatarusanu has not practiced for a week. Ante Rebic and the others returning from injury need to put minutes in their legs. Daniele Maldini is working and growing a lot. He is more complete compared to last season. He could get a shot too.”

Pioli will square off against Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko in the Coppa Italia tilt. The Genoa boss seems to be already on shaky ground due to poor results: “He is an intelligent and capable coach, and I wish him the best in his career. It is part of the job, but I think he will manage to make the most of this situation. We do not look too far ahead. The squad came off the Venezia game well and prepared appropriately. We are not whole yet, but we have enough men.”