Pioli refusing to focus on Milan rivals
Stefano Pioli says Milan is ready to approach the final eight Serie A games with "energy, strength and motivation" as it battles to end an 11-year title drought.
The Rossoneri have not won the Scudetto since 2011, but they are three points clear of second-placed Napoli with seven weeks of the season remaining.
Leader Milan goes into a San Siro meeting with Bologna looking to extend its unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions and secure a fourth consecutive victory.
Manager Pioli is backing his players to maintain the high standards they have set with so much at stake.
"I know that I have a responsible team and that the boys are aware of how well they are playing right now. They are doing everything possible to keep up the level of football and their focus," he said. "We can't let ourselves be influenced by results elsewhere; we need energy for our own games.
"We don't want to back out and we'll approach these final eight games with energy, strength and motivation.
"I don't think that the break will have changed the balance. The schedule is tough for every team because we're talking about highly motivated teams with a lot of quality. I'm certain that the team is ready both mentally and physically.
"Playing first or after the others? That doesn't matter. We just need to focus on ourselves and our own performance. Knowing how the teams around us have got on this weekend won't change how we prepare. It doesn't matter what the others do, we need to think about what we are doing."
Pioli revealed striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is fit to face Bologna, who Milan have beaten 11 times and drawn with once in the past 12 games between the two clubs.
The Rossoneri boss says Ibrahimovic has a key role to play in Milan's quest to be crowned champions, whether that be as a starter or off the bench.
He said: "It's not important whether you start or come on part way through, what matters is making a contribution to the team.
"Ibra will need to help the team – as he always does – to try to get the best out of them. It's his aim, and he has always done so – it's his motivation."
