Pioli believes it gets really hard to select XI

boss Stefano Pioli claimed it is hard to select his starting XI after observing the performance Sparta Prague 3-0 in the Europa League on Thursday.

At this weekend, Pioli could make five changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Roma in Serie A. Milan insisted on their ninth win from 10 games - involving one penalty shoot-out – among all matches this season. 

Both,

Brahim Diaz and Diogo Dalot,

were on the score list, while replacing Rafael Leao was also on target. 

"The team knows what it has to do on the pitch and how to read the games," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I must admit, it becomes increasingly difficult to choose the starting XI, as everyone is doing so well. 

"The lads work in such a unified fashion and that is the attitude that makes me want to pick them. We wanted strength in depth, so it's only right that we make the most of it."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was substituted by Leao at half-time after losing a penalty in the opening period - but Pioli states that his removed was decided long before.

"We had already planned the substitution," he confirmed. "

Zlatan

is a champion and probably wanted to continue, but we have another very difficult match coming up on Sunday, so it was only right to balance out our efforts."

"

made two steps forward in his performance this evening," he said. "It was inevitable he'd take a while to settle as he arrived after pre-season, so I am very satisfied with the way he is growing into the team and finding form. 

"He's perfect for creating competition for places."