Conceiçao: Milan strikers ‘don’t know’ who will start Coppa Italia Final | OneFootball

Sergio Conceiçao admits neither Santiago Gimenez nor Luka Jovic knows who will start in tomorrow’s Coppa Italia Final against Bologna and insists pressure is ‘normal’ for a club like Milan.

Conceiçao held a pre-match press conference at the Olimpico on Tuesday, the eve of the Coppa Italia Final against Bologna.

“This pressure is part of Milan’s history. It’s normal in these big clubs. We must only focus on tomorrow and be ready,” Conceiçao said.

The Portuguese tactician already played at the Olimpico as a Lazio player and aims for his second trophy as Milan coach after the Supercoppa in January.

“This stadium has surely given me satisfaction as a player, but it’s the past. Tomorrow, we’ll need to be at our best against a team that fights every duel like it was the last one,” he continued.

“We must have the same attitude. We must be ready for many scenarios, knowing that we’ll face a strong team that we played a few days ago. We’ve prepared well, and we hope for a positive response.”

The Rossoneri already beat Bologna 3-1 at San Siro on Friday, with Gimenez scoring a brace as a substitute. So, who will start tomorrow, the Mexican or his teammate Luka Jovic?

Conceiçao makes admission on Gimenez and Jovic

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 09: Luka Jovic of AC Milan controls the ball whilst under pressure from Jhon Lucumi of Bologna during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I’m not saying it, I haven’t even told them. They don’t know,” Conceiçao replied.

“The results are positive, and the staff’s knowledge has allowed the team to evolve individually and collectively,” he continued.

“The first three months were tough, but we already discussed that. We live off results, and we want to bring home a positive outcome that would give us a chance to lift a trophy and play in Europe next season.

“It will surely be a pleasure if we can win this trophy and satisfy the fans in a difficult year. From the outside, we may seem angry, but it’s not the case. We have immense joy in playing this final. There’s no fear, just adrenaline. The group is calm, even if not too calm, as we wait for an important match.”

Rafael Leao missed the most recent game against Bologna, but he’s expected to start tomorrow.

“He is doing well. We have training at 6 p.m. Leao is back, and Bologna have Ndoye, Holm, and Odgaard back,” noted Conceiçao.

“Ferguson will probably play, too, as there are so many different players. However, while individuals are important within the team, the collective is more important.”

The Rossoneri have recovered 19 points from losing position in Serie A, avoiding defeat in nine games where they went down in the result.

“Positive results improve the atmosphere; I’m aware I have a healthy group,” Conceiçao concluded

“These aren’t just talks. We’ve seen many comebacks because players coming off the bench have contributed something extra. It’s a sign of unity and proves their respect for the staff. I feel calm in this situation, and hopefully, we can bring this to the field from minute one tomorrow.”