Pioli explains Milan changes and embraces Fiorentina | OneFootball

Stefano Pioli explains his Milan changes against Fiorentina and acknowledges this can never be a normal game for him, as Joe Barone’s death echoes the Davide Astori tragedy.

It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 19.45 GMT.

This is the first match since Barone’s death from a heart attack, having collapsed an hour before the planned game with Atalanta, so he will be remembered with a series of initiatives including a video and special choreography in the stands.

Pioli was the coach of Fiorentina when captain Astori died of an undiagnosed heart condition in March 2018, so he more than anyone knows what those players and fans are going through right now.

“It will always be a special match for me. Tonight there will be many moments before kick-off, but then it will be a game of football,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.

The coach makes changes this evening, as Theo Hernandez is suspended, while Samuel Chukwueze is picked rather than Christian Pulisic.

“I spoke to Christian yesterday, he told me that he had not entirely recovered from international duty, so he would prefer to play only a portion of the match.

“Chukwueze is working well, he had a few difficulties settling in at the start, but he is a quality player. Fiorentina are a good team, very aggressive and intense, so we need to give our best.”