Berliner Tageszeitung - Derby nightmare set aside for Newcastle clash, says Milan's Pioli

NYSE - LSE

CMSC	1.41%	21.95	$
CMSD	1.26%	22.18	$
RBGPF	0%	65.61	$
BCC	-2.85%	75.48	$
NGG	-3.35%	80.18	$
GSK	-2.18%	51.3	$
RYCEF	0.21%	19.14	$
RIO	-1.69%	93.35	$
BCE	-2.33%	21.02	$
BTI	-1.98%	60.56	$
JRI	-0.15%	12.94	$
RELX	-0.92%	31.38	$
VOD	-1.65%	13.01	$
AZN	-3.13%	183.86	$
BP	-2.21%	36.15	$

Derby nightmare set aside for Newcastle clash, says Milan's Pioli

SPORTS 18.09.2023

Derby nightmare set aside for Newcastle clash, says Milan's Pioli / Photo: © AFP/File

Stefano Pioli insisted on Monday that AC Milan have turned their attentions to the Champions League opener with Newcastle United after local derby humiliation at the weekend.

Text size:

The seven-time European champions were hammered 5-1 by Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Saturday, a brutal defeat which swept away all the positive vibes created by a new-look team claiming three straight wins before the international break.

It was a fifth defeat in as many Milan derbies in 2023, Inter racking up an aggregate score of 12-1 over those matches which include last season's Champions League semi-final.

"We had a lot of faith and positivity for the derby but it didn't go well, there's no point hiding it," Pioli told reporters.

"It was a big disappointment, but we have the Champions League and that is good as it's the only way to switch.

"These defeats in the derby hurt... I'd give everything to change them but unfortunately they went how they went."

Milan have been drawn in a tough Group F which also features Borussia Dortmund and French champions Paris Saint-Germain, and a good start at home to Saudi Arabia-backed Newcastle would be the perfect response to Saturday's disappointment.

"I know I have a good team, this group of players will be able to get over a really difficult derby," said Pioli.

"I owe a debt to the fans because last year when we were struggling, when we were playing really badly, they stayed behind us."

Sandro Tonali will return to the San Siro earlier than expected after being sold to Newcastle in July, one of two big changes over the summer with club icon Paolo Maldini being sacked as technical director.

Italy midfielder Tonali, who is expected to feature on Tuesday, is a boyhood Milan fan and was a key component of the team which won a first league title in 11 years in 2022.

"It will be emotional. Sandro is a great player and was important to us getting where we are today," said Pioli.

"We won together and we grew together, and it will be emotional for him to return to the San Siro. We wish him the very best -- from the next match."

Milan currently sit third in Serie A, three points behind Inter and one off Juventus.

O. Petrow--BTZ

Featured

LeBron James praises Balogun after 'Silencer' celebration

Basketball superstar LeBron James congratulated Folarin Balogun on scoring for the United States in their World Cup victory on Wednesday after the striker emulated his trademark "Silencer" celebration.

Pochettino says Balogun foul 'never' a red card as suspension looms

USA coach Mauricio Pochettino said Wednesday striker Folarin Balogun should "never" have received a red card after he was sent off against Bosnia following a VAR review, meaning he will miss his side's last-16 World Cup showdown with Belgium next week.

Farrell names Leinster-heavy side to face Wallabies

Ireland coach Andy Farrell opted for Sam Prendergast as his playmaker for their Nations Championship opener against Australia in Sydney in a starting XV dominated by Leinster players.

Japan name uncapped student fly-half Ito to face Italy

Japan on Thursday named uncapped student fly-half Ryunosuke Ito to start against Italy in their Nations Championship opener in Tokyo, with banned head coach Eddie Jones absent.