Not too much difference between Serie A and CL - Pioli

thrashed

3-1 in the

on Wednesday, which was the Rossoneri’s second game of the group stage. The victory was very important to them as it marked the first home win since 2013 for the Serie A champions in the competition.

“It’s another positive step. I told my players they hadn’t yet won a Champions League game at home, despite their quality,”

Stefano Pioli

told Sky Sport Italia.

“The fans and players deserve it. I think we can play even better, be more accurate and score even more, but we’ve been playing many games lately.”

The Milan boss was quizzed about Serie A and the Champions League’s main difference.

“I still think there isn’t too much difference,”

said the coach.

“Performances depend on us in Italy and Europe. We should not think we need something extraordinary to win in the Champions League. The level is high, but it will be the same on Sunday against Napoli.”

When asked whether his side have room to make themselves better, Pioli admitted that he thinks they do.

“We do and today’s game proved it. We could have done even better, scoring more goals and not conceding.”

Pioli was also pressed whether his side are planning on surprising many in the Champions League this season.

“It’s difficult, this period has been very demanding and the next one will be even more, from the start of October until November 13. That’s why I am saying we must improve. When you can’t go full speed, you must manage your energies.”

Alexis Saelemaekers met the back of the net for the Rossoneri with the help of Rafael Leao, but the latter will not be part of the team for the Napoli clash on Sunday since he was sent off during the battle against Sampdoria last weekend. Pioli also talked about how his side plan to replace the Portuguese.

“We won’t have the same characteristics, and we don’t have a real striker, but we can use different solutions. We’ll try to put in a great performance against a great opponent.”

The Rossoneri were able to gain four points from two matches in the Champions League and get ready to go against Chelsea next in the competition. They will also face Napoli in their last match of Serie A before the international break.

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