Slavia Praha duo David Zima and Tomáš Vlček cautioned AC Milan ahead of tonight’s match at San Siro, given their prestige as heavy favourites for the draw.
Milan will host the Czech capital side at San Siro in the first leg of the round of 16 hoping to do the heavy lifting in front of their fans, as they did against Stade Rennais in the play-offs.
However, Slavia appear to be a very dangerous risk given that they prefer an organisation that includes Roma, meaning they lead progression at this stage. They have also beaten the Giallorossi at home and have also caused disruption to Inter in the past.
They came into the match having been knocked out of the cup by bitter rivals Sparta Praha in midweek last week, and then faced the same warring sides in the league when they were hoping to win and the game to 4 points.
Zima returned to his business after two-and-a-half years in Turin and spoke exclusively to MilanNews about the circular of the 16th.
After a few months, you return to Italy and in a stunning setting like San Siro. . .
“For me it’s a wonderful game, I’m sure there will be a lot of quality on the pitch and fun in the stands. I assure you that when you return to Prague you will find a fiery atmosphere.
Milan are the favourites on paper. . .
“In away games we find ourselves in this situation. And in any case, it was also like that against Roma, and then Slavia won the head-to-head and finished first in the group. That’s why I say we can definitely win, but it’s clear that we’re the losers.
Did you give anything to your coach for facing the Rossoneri?
“It’s not necessary, Trpisovsky is a wonderful coach, he’s been at Slavia for six years and he’s very prepared. He has an impressive mentality, he knows how to read the game and substitute the tactics and characteristics of the team. 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. “
To offer a comparison, given the three-man defense, can we compare him to Juric?
“Decent in the three-way defensive structure, but that, as mentioned, tends to vary the game. Juric is more defensive and tied to the same formation as always, Trpisovsky’s technique is more about attacking. To the point that he definitely brought the Slavia logo of intensity and character. We are a team with a wonderful spirit.
Intense and attacking football, will you do it tomorrow too?
“It clearly depends on how the game goes, so we can’t say. We will have the lightness of those who have nothing to lose.
Light but tired after two very close derbies?
“Of course, it would have been better to arrive at San Siro after quieter games, but with few changes. I’m sorry for last Wednesday’s defeat in the cup, because we were 2-0 up and it’s difficult to settle for wasting afterwards. In the league, we played away from home and changed tactics, in the end we didn’t get more than a 0-0 draw but we gave everything.
Their record against Milan is positive: two wins and a draw. . .
“There’s a game that I have in my middle and it’s the Coppa Italia where we won 0-1 in extra time against Toro. We won 10 against 11, I play in each and every game and in the end we won, each and every one of us wonders with Adopo’s goal.
The rival you will have to face hard will be Giroud or Jovic. . .
“I’ve played against them, they’re two very sensible players and I know them very well. They have other features, I can’t say if one or the other is better.
It is possible that in a few months we will locate our opponent in the European Championship, Rafael Leao, given that the Czech Republic and Portugal are in the same group. . .
“He’s the player who gave me the most difficulties in my first year in Serie A. In his Scudetto season, I didn’t know him very well and he inspired me a lot with his speed. And fortunately, with experience, we know how we manage best and locate countermeasures.
You spent some time in Turin with Tommaso Pobega. . .
“On the one hand, I’m sorry he’s hurt because he’s a friend. On the other hand, it relieves me because I know how harmful it can be (laughs). A guy, a friend and a very strong player.
One player Milan admire is Alessandro Buongiorno, a player who has grown exponentially in recent years. . .
“Along with Bastoni, I think he’s the most productive Italian centre-back. I was sorry for his injury, but I saw that he’s back and he’s fine. I think if an offer comes from a big club, they’ll settle for it. While it’s true that Milan need it, it’s a wonderful opportunity to grow.
Meanwhile, Zima’s defensive partner Tomáš Vlček spoke on Slavia’s official channel ahead of their departure to Milan, where they landed last night. MilanNews also reported on his statements.
“I’m looking forward to it, it’s a huge club with a lovely stadium and wonderful fans. These are games you must play. Games like this are a dream for all of us, we’re determined to do it. achieve it. I’m really enjoying this era,” he said.
“I’m on the hunt for the Milan game. Five thousand fans at San Siro?We are all grateful for that. Already on Sunday they were incredible, we felt them all from minute 1 to minute 90.
“They’re incredible, they happen everywhere. A huge thank you for promoting the entire domain on one weekday. We appreciate it and we praise them. “
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