DBasia.news – AC Milan coach, Stefano Pioli, hopes that there will be no clash between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku during the Milan city derby. He asked both players to have high respect and professionalism.
AC Milan will host Inter Milan in the 2020-2021 Serie A continued match, at the San Siro, Sunday (21/2). The duel was marked by competition from Ibrahimovic and Lukaku.
At the last meeting of the two teams in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, Ibra and Lukaku were involved in a commotion. Ibrahimovic allegedly committed racial acts against Lukaku. Until now, the investigation is still ongoing.
Pioli hopes that events like that will not be repeated in the duel later. According to him, this match was a new chapter.
“It would be better if that didn’t happen. However, tomorrow is another match. There will be duels and clashes,” Pioli said as reported by the Italian Football.
“This is a very touching game. However, there will also be high respect and professionalism,” continued the tactician.
Pioli is aware of how big a role Ibrahimovic has for Milan, especially against Inter. Ibra has scored three goals in his last two matches against the Nerazzurri.
However, Pioli asked his team to continue to work together to dismantle Inter’s defense. Pioli didn’t want Milan to rely too much on one player.
“I respect Lukaku, but prefer Ibrahimovic. Tomorrow’s match must be collective. Milah must play as a team. A collective that emphasizes individual qualities,” said Pioli.
AC Milan has the opportunity to beat Inter twice in one season since the last time it did it 15 years ago. At that time, the Rossoneri won 1-0 in the first meeting, then winning 3-0 in the second meeting.