Stefano Pioli insists AC Milan’s focus in a “big week” is firmly on their opening test against Serie A strugglers Empoli.
Milan visit 19th-placed Empoli on Sunday ahead of two home games, the midweek Coppa Italia quarter-final against Atlanta and next weekend’s league showdown with Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
“It is definitely a big week with two league games and the Coppa Italia quarter-finals,” Milan manager Pioli said at his pre-match press conference.
“We are focused on the clash with Empoli. We want to do well in the league, we can win points but we have to perform well on the pitch.
“If we manage to pick up winning performances for a longer period, we will have overcome the momentary difficulties.
“Choices have been made given the aim of starting a balanced XI.
“The Coppa Italia (Tuesday’s 4-1 home win over Cagliari) gave some very young players a chance, they debuted because they have the quality to play with us, not out of necessity.
“We are fully focused on Empoli, after which we will have two days to work out what choices to make against Atalanta.”
Milan are unbeaten in five games in all competitions – four wins and a draw – since losing at Atalanta on December 9.
But the Rossoneri are 12 points adrift of league leaders Inter, albeit they do have a game in hand on their city rivals.
Milan need to address poor form on the road which has seen them fail to claim a Serie A win away from San Siro for three months.
Pioli said: “We made some errors that have stopped us from winning games when we could have done. We are working on resolving them.
“This is one of the elements that has punished us thus far, we clearly need to do better in the second half of the season.
“Winning (at Empoli) is the only thing that matters. Bringing home three important points means that you have put things back together.”
Nigeria striker Samuel Chukwueze has left for the Africa Cup of Nations, while fellow forward Noah Okafor remains out with a thigh injury sustained against Monza last month.
Pioli said: “I am lucky to have two centre-forwards like Olivier (Giroud) and Luka (Jovic), formation choices are never definitive because games can also be decided by coming on from the bench.
“My hope is that both of them will keep playing like this, remaining two key elements of the offensive line.
“Okafor will be available from the game against Roma and he will complete our roster, we have various personalities and resources up front.
“The directors are working in the market and they will be ready should any opportunities present themselves.”
Casemiro hits back at critics over Man Utd performances
Casemiro has hit back at the "disrespectful" critics over comments made about his recent Manchester United performances.
The Red Devils have come under pressure for a poor run of form in recent weeks, with Casemiro one of the players singled out, in particular for his performance in the 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Casemiro enjoyed a successful first campaign with United, finishing third and lifting the EFL Cup, but the club are currently in danger of suffering their lowest-ever Premier League finish in eighth place.
"I was considered one of the best signings of the Premier League last season, and now I'm not worth anything anymore?" Casemiro told Sky Sports.
"The criticism is disrespectful. So, when it's lacking respect, then it's worrying, and I don't have to respect that either."
Casemiro was also recently left out of Dorival Junior’s Brazil squad for this year’s Copa America.
United finish their Premier League season away at Brighton on Sunday before facing Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.
Chelsea players must set ego aside or 'situation will hardly change', Silva warns
The departing Thiago Silva warned Chelsea's players to set their egos aside, or their "situation will hardly change" next season.
Silva, who will return to hometown club Fluminense in the close season, is gearing up for his final appearance for the Blues after four years at Stamford Bridge, where they host Bournemouth on the final day of the 2023-24 campaign.
A draw would be enough for sixth-place Chelsea to secure a return to European football next season, while they could still overtake Tottenham in fifth with a win and Spurs losing to bottom side Sheffield United.
But despite a positive end to the campaign, during which they have won four successive games and lost just one of their last 14, Mauricio Pochettino's side are a whopping 28 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
Silva believes the club deserves better, having spent over £400 million on no fewer than 13 players over the past year, and has urged the squad to prioritise teamwork over their personal ambitions next term.
"I hope [the players] understand that everything they did to get to Chelsea has to be worth it," he told Sky Sports. "Because the season we're having is not worthy of Chelsea. I think they need to do more next year.
"These boys need to be aware that Chelsea has to fight for [for trophies] in the top positions. If we take a little of our ego and put it in favour of the team, I think it will work. If we don't do that, the situation will hardly change, unfortunately."
Mbappe left out of PSG squad for final Ligue 1 game
Kylian Mbappe has been left out of Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for what would have been his final league game for the club.
PSG face Metz on Sunday having already secured the Ligue 1 title for a record-extending 12th time, but Mbappe will play no part in the match.
The Frenchman is not listed on the club’s medical list, though he did miss their win over Nice on Wednesday as a precaution. PSG did not give a reason to justify his absence.
PSG still have the Coupe de France final to play on May 25 against Lyon, which Mbappe could return for.
Mbappe confirmed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season after seven years. He is the club’s top scorer with 256 goals, with 191 of those coming in Ligue 1.
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