AC Milan vs Fiorentina - AC Milan aim for lift-off in push for Europe
Posted Saturday, February 18, 2017 by PA
AC Milan boss Vincenzo Montella hopes his team can end a six-week wait for a home win in Serie A.
The Rossoneri are not in great form going into Sunday's match against Fiorentina. They have won only one of their last six matches and are without a San Siro success since January 8, when they defeated Cagliari.
However, Montella continues to see European football next term as a target, even though his team have slipped to seventh in the table - 22 points behind pacesetters Juventus.
He told a press conference on Saturday: "I think we have the chance to make it into Europe. It's our objective.
"We have all the qualities to make it, no matter how the match against Fiorentina ends. There are still many games to play.
"I think we have won 50 per cent of our games, never losing against teams who are fighting to qualify for Europe. This could make the difference in the end."
Jose Sosa got a late goal which earned Milan a 1-1 draw at Lazio on Monday - and Montella is pleased with how the Spaniard is performing.
He added, according to Milan's website: "Sosa is improving. It's not his natural position, he can do even better. He's got everything it takes to do well."
However, the 42-year-old is aware of the threat Sunday's opponents pose, singling out striker Federico Chiesa for credit.
Montella said: "Fiorentina are a well-balanced team with great talents, such as Chiesa. We have to be aggressive."
With Mattia De Sciglio and Luca Antonelli not yet ready to return, full-back Davide Calabria could feature for the hosts, who are also still without injured central defender Alessio Romagnoli.
Fiorentina beat Udinese 3-0 at home last time out, before edging a 1-0 win in Thursday's Europa League tie against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Boss Paulo Sousa is not relishing the return to domestic action, less than 72 hours after a testing European match.
He said: "Montella is right, tomorrow is not decisive - although we want to get the most points possible this season.
"Every win helps you recover faster - but for teams who play in the Europa League, Sunday does not bring the best results."
Unsurprisingly, Sousa hinted at changes, adding on www.fiorentina.it: "It is difficult to prepare for such a challenge after Thursday's match.
"Some need to rest, so you will see on the pitch fresh players who will ensure concentration and mental strength."
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