Ante Rebic went from Milan benchwarmer to decisive goal-scorer, as Kaustubh Pandey analyses what changed around the Bullish Croatian.
Ante Rebic’s goal against Fiorentina wasn’t the prettiest of all. But it worked, like it has so far this season. The manner of it was hardly surprising, as the man has made a career out of dirty goals. But this one coming against his former club was meant to be and it was proof that the Croatian is proving critics wrong this season.
Stefano Pioli said Milan must “take responsibility” for losing control of the game against 10-man Fiorentina, “but there are no doubts, it was not a penalty.”
It was a match dominated by VAR, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw his sensational opener cancelled out for a handling offence, then Ante Rebic scored and Dalbert was sent off – originally a yellow card – for stopping a clear scoring opportunity.
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Stefano Pioli has claimed Milan “must always have ambitions of success” and confirmed that Hakan Calhanoglu will be back against Fiorentina.
The midfielder had to sit out of the 1-0 win against Torino last time but has recovered from a muscle injury and Pioli could let him try to continue his great form of late.
“He’s fine, he had a slight problem that prevented him from playing against Torino,” Pioli said at a press conference. “He is available to play.”
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Fiorentina captain German Pezzella expects an emotional reunion when Milan coach Stefano Pioli steps back into the Stadio Franchi. “He was like a father to us.”
The tactician helped the team through the most difficult moment in their history, the sudden death of then-captain Davide Astori in March 2018.
“Pioli was a wonderful coach for us, as far as I am concerned, he is one of the best I ever worked with,” Pezzella told Tuttosport.
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French newspaper L’Equipe believes that Ralf Rangnick has signed a pre-contract with Milan to take charge of the Rossoneri from next season.
Rangnick has long been linked with a move to Italy, with reports in Germany emerging of a potential deal months ago.
Calciomercato.com also ran the story, in which it claimed Rangnick would have full control over Milan; buying, selling, scouting and coaching players.
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Ante Rebic has scored five times in six Serie A games since the winter break, after "finally" getting "the opportunity to play regularly” at Milan.
In December it looked like Rebic’s stay in the fashion capital could be over after only six months, but he has “exploited” the new-found confidence from coach Stefano Pioli and has helped kick-start the Rossoneri’s season.
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Milan coach Stefano Pioli says there is “no case” with Mateo Musacchio, and was happy with his side’s performance.
The Rossoneri saw off a battling Torino side and are now only four points off of Roma in fifth spot in Serie A.
“I think the result and the performance were good tonight, we risked little,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“There are 14 games left, and I’m already thinking about the next game against Fiorentina in Florence.
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Milan director Ricky Massara concedes Europa League qualification represents “the minimum objective” and they are “on the right track” for the Champions League.
It kicks off at 19.45 GMT, follow the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
A victory here would take the Rossoneri up to 35 points, on a par with Hellas Verona and Parma in joint sixth place.
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Stefano Pioli doesn’t know where Milan would be today if he had started the season with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but believes they’ve found their shape against Torino.
It kicks off on Monday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“We must reinforce the positive sensations and find the same spirit we showed in recent weeks,” said the coach in his press conference.
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Stefano Pioli was “very proud” of Milan after their 1-1 Coppa Italia semi-final draw with Juventus, but wasn’t convinced by the decisive penalty.
Ante Rebic saw his opener cancelled out by a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the final minute, while Theo Hernandez was sent off.
The second leg will be in Turin on March 4, without suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Samu Castillejo and Theo Hernandez.
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