Introducing Europa League match against Luxembourgish side Dudelange, AC Milan boss, Gennaro Gattuso, stated: "They deserved to make it to the group stages, having beaten CFR Cluj and Legia Warszaw. On paper, we are surely the stronger side, but the match starts from 0-0. They play a 4-4-2 plan, and have players who can trouble us, Sinani to name one. They are a solid group, and their coach is well-prepared. The impossible can become possible, we know what we are facing. We respect them a lot and may the best team win. We are used to playing in bigger stadiums, but it doesn't mean that playing in smaller ones is not fascinating.
We left Cutrone home as a precaution, as he isn't 100% fit yet and still recovering from his ankle problem. The others stayed at Milanello for some specific speed drills. AC Milan are a glorious club, and we know we have everything to lose by playing against Dudelange. We must be prepared and respect our opponents. It's a matter of mentality and desire to win".
It's never easy to choose the starting line-up. The boys are working well together, and training the right way. We need to play as a team. We made some mistakes at Cagliari, in the first 20 minutes, and we didn't play like we are capable of. My staff and I have a job to do and it's to make these boys understand they are really good players. We need to put fear aside, and think that we can do really well here at AC Milan.
I'll make some line-up changes, but I want to stress the fact that we need to respect our opponents. Three points are at stake and we are playing in Europa League. We need to be ready to fight and win the game. Reina is a true leader. He shows great passion for his job, and is consistent with everything he says. Halilovic? He's an interesting player. Tomorrow he could either start or come off the bench. He's showing his talent, and working well".
Source: transfermarketweb.com