AC Milan coach Pioli: Mandzukic wages gesture no surprise | OneFootball

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli is full of praise for Rafael Leao ahead of facing Genoa.

Pioli also plans to field Mario Mandzukic, though the veteran isn't fully fit. The striker gave up his March wages after failing to take the pitch.

The coach said, “I am happy that Mario is available, although he doesn't have 90 minutes in his legs, but he had a great week of training sessions. He moves so well and rarely times his runs incorrectly. Mario really suffered at not being available over the last few months. I was not surprised by his gesture of giving his March salary to charity, because his qualities were never in doubt.

“I remain convinced Leao is improving and puts much more desire into the game than last season. We have a big objective to achieve and I saw the team with the right level of worry, the kind when you know that it's a big test you must prepare for.

“Genoa are a side with a lot of quality and who did well under Davide Ballardini. I trained Milan Badelj at Fiorentina, so I know he has great concentration and quality. They are a complete team who cover the various zones of the pitch well, who don't focus so much on possession as vertical passes. Genoa are a physical outfit and will be difficult to beat."