Fonseca admits Coppa Italia is ‘an objective’ ahead of Sassuolo clash: “We have to be ambitious” | OneFootball

Ahead of AC Milan vs. Sassuolo, Paulo Fonseca has spoken about the clash and admitted that his side have to be ambitious going forward this season.

Milan, at present, are experiencing a cup drought. It has been 21 years since the Rossoneri last lifted the Coppa Italia, and there is an aim to change that statistic this year, if Fonseca’s side can extend their moments, perhaps this could happen.

Wins against Inter and Real Madrid have proven that this side has credentials to win big games, but there have also been many occasions where the Diavolo have lacked any substance. For this reason, consistency is required.

A cup run would be favourable with the Scudetto race still a distance away, and ahead of the clash against Sassuolo, Fonseca spoke about the club’s aims for the competition whilst also offering some team news. His words to Milan TV have been relayed by MilanNews.

You gave Edoardo Bove his debut. What were your feelings yesterday?

“I was watching the game, it was a difficult moment. He worked with me at Roma, I’m sorry for what happened to him. He’s better now, it’s not football that’s important right now, it’s his health. It was a difficult moment.

“I send a hug from all of us, team and club. A lot has been said here at Milanello today about what happened. I wish him to recover as soon as possible.”

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Tomorrow it’s the Coppa Italia. Is that a target of yours?

“Milan haven’t won this trophy for a long time. We have to be ambitious. But let’s not look too far ahead, let’s just think about tomorrow. If we want to get to the final, which has to be our goal, we have to win tomorrow.”

Even though they play in Serie B, Sassuolo are not a team not to be underestimated…

“For me, they are not a Serie B team, they have many Serie A players. There’s not only Berardi. They beat Lecce 2-0 in the previous round, they are a strong team, we studied them. I told the boys to expect a difficult game against a Serie A level team.”

Will you think about the match in Bergamo on Friday when you make your choices?

“If we don’t manage the team and the players well we could have physical problems and we don’t want that. I have confidence in all the players, there will be some changes, but always with the aim of winning the game.”

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

On individuals can you tell us something?

“Maignan will not be available because of a dental operation. Theo also won’t be available because of a bruised foot. The others are all ready to play. I will field a team to win.”

Against Empoli, we saw a balanced team….

“I am satisfied. We played a good game, very balanced. We had many goal chances, we recovered the ball high, we are on the right path. We have to work every day to become stronger and stronger.

“We have to be the ones to take the fans by the hand and the team did that in the last game. With the fans by our side we are stronger.”

Thiaw and Emerson Royal have grown a lot…

“I agree. Thiaw is in a great moment, Emerson is growing. He arrived late, Serie A is different from the Premier. He’s had little time to settle in, I think the last few games have shown that he’s getting better and better and growing, the fans have realised that too.

“The boys need the support of the fans, it’s important for them.”