Spalletti’s surprise doesn’t change Milan’s tactics - Pioli

and

were leading the

table together for much of the season but

are now sitting top of the table and should the Rossoneri lose, they would crown their city rivals the Serie A Winter Champions.

“

It’s a top of the table clash, but just as it wasn’t worth the Scudetto a month ago, it’s not going to be decisive now either. There’s a long way to go and we want to do well,”

Stefano Pioli

told

DAZN

.

Junior Messias

spent a long time settling in with Milan following his arrival from Crotone; however, he is proving worthy and crucial now, starting against for this evening’s clash.

“Quality is always the key in every game, especially when the level is raised. Junior has the quality to have that moment of magic, create something and put some interesting balls into the box.”

Napoli boss

Luciano Spalletti

’s decision to let

Andrea Petagna

start this evening and not

Dries Mertens

surprised everyone. He was quizzed whether that will force a reshuffle for Pioli as well.

“I don’t know why Spalletti made this decision, we won’t change our defensive tactics. We have the same general approach and it makes no difference, but we do have the utmost respect for the attacking capabilities of our opponents.”

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