Milan’s Pioli eyeing Lazio upset

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli believes his side can challenge for a top-four spot but must prove their quality against Lazio. Pioli arrived as Marco Giampaolo’s successor on October 9 and has endured a mixed start to life at the San Siro.
The 54-year-old picked up his first win at the third attempt last time out against SPAL, having drawn with Lecce and losing to Roma, but faces a much stiffer test on Sunday.
Lazio, who have won back-to-back games, make the trip to Milan as they look to build on a positive start to the term.
I Biancocelesti are fifth and five points clear of 10th-placed Milan as both sides look to mount a challenge for Champions League football.
Pioli is refusing to rule out Milan’s chances of earning a top-four spot come the end of the campaign but acknowledges they must see off teams like Lazio to achieve that goal. “The Champions League? We have to believe it,” Pioli said. “If you believe, it becomes possible. You commit yourself day or night to reach it. We will draw the conclusions at the end of the season but we must demonstrate the spirit, determination. When we are a team we can play with everyone. “In the minds of the players, I think it is a very important match. Beating a very strong team would increase conviction and awareness. The goal is to win against Lazio to have the chance to improve in the standings.”