AC Milan's coach, Stefano Pioli, has redirected the team's focus to the upcoming Champions League opener against Newcastle United following their humiliating defeat in the local derby over the weekend.
The seven-time European champions suffered a crushing 5-1 loss to Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Saturday, a defeat that wiped out the positive momentum created by their new-look team, which had won three consecutive matches before the international break.
This marked Milan's fifth defeat in five Milan derbies in 2023, with Inter holding a commanding aggregate score of 12-1 over those matches, including last season's Champions League semi-final.
Pioli openly acknowledged the disappointment of the derby defeat, stating, "We had a lot of faith and positivity for the derby, but it didn't go well; there's no point hiding it. It was a big disappointment, but we have the Champions League, and that is good as it's the only way to switch. These defeats in the derby hurt... I'd give everything to change them, but unfortunately, they went how they went."
Despite the setback, Milan finds themselves in a challenging Group F in the Champions League, which also includes Borussia Dortmund and French champions Paris Saint-Germain. A strong start in the match against Newcastle, backed by Saudi Arabia, would be a fitting response to the derby disappointment.
Pioli expressed confidence in his team, stating, "I know I have a good team; this group of players will be able to get over a really difficult derby. I owe a debt to the fans because last year, when we were struggling, when we were playing really badly, they stayed behind us."
One notable return to the San Siro is Sandro Tonali, who was unexpectedly sold to Newcastle in July. Tonali, a lifelong Milan fan and a key player in the team's 2022 league title win, is expected to feature in the match on Tuesday.
Pioli acknowledged the emotional aspect of Tonali's return, saying, "It will be emotional. Sandro is a great player and was important to us getting where we are today. We won together and we grew together, and it will be emotional for him to return to San Siro. We wish him the very best—from the next match."
Milan currently holds the third position in Serie A, trailing Inter by three points and Juventus by one.
