AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli expects a major challenge tonight against Fiorentina.

Pioli admits it'll always be a special game for him as he was coach of the Viola when Davide Astori passed away in 2018.

"I am always wary of teams that seem to be in difficulty due to absences, it happened to us and we have always found more energy," said Pioli.

“Fiorentina are a strong opponent with a clear identity.

“We want to control every game, and we must be able to make the most of every chance we create.

“Vincenzo Italiano has always done well in his career. He is an excellent coach. He is young and with clear ideas. He is giving an identity to Fiorentina," the coach continued.

“I was younger when I was at Fiorentina. To me, it will never be a regular game also because of Davide Astori's remembrance."