Milan (9-11) will look to complete a perfect week and gain its fourth straight home win with a visit from direct rival Zvezda (8-12).
Ettore Messina, Milan: 'We will have to play a smart game offensively'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 21 of 34
Regular Season
EA7 Emporio Armani MilanEA7
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Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet BelgradeCZV
Overview
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The Serbian team needs to tighten up defensively after allowing 100 points at ASVEL on Tuesday, while Milan, which could climb into the playoff places with a victory, will look for another strong performance from Devon Hall, who has averaged 16.5 points on 13-of-16 field goal shooting in the last two games. Milan blasted Zvezda 71-93 when the teams met in Belgrade in November, but 51 of those points were scored by the now-injured Shavon Shields and Maodo Lo.
Ettore Messina, Milan head coach
"Zvezda is second in offensive rebounds and first in steals; therefore, we will have to play a smart game offensively and work as a team under the basket to limit their second chances. They have very talented individual players on the perimeter, of course led by Milos Teodosic. Having played so many games with a roster depleted by injuries, we will have to use all the resources we can to find the energy to defend tightly and move the ball on offense in search of the best shots as we did in the second half of the ALBA game."
Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Zvezda head coach
"We play against a team that showed consistency in their performances defensively and offensively, especially at their home court. From our side, we have to improve our individual and team defense to fight for our chances in the game."
Nicolo Melli, Milan player
"Over the last few games we played with cohesion and character. In clutch moments many guys took a step forward and were ready. We must try to repeat this feat against a team like Zvezda which has depth and creative and very talented players on the perimeter. We play at home and we still intend to protect our court. But like in all EuroLeague games, 40 minutes of intensity and concentration will be needed."
Devon Hall, Milan player
"Zvezda is a talented team with a lot of depth. It will be another tough game but we have been playing with cohesion and a lot of determination lately and we want to keep doing this and protect our home court one more time. We need to focus on our defense and rebounding. Offensively this important to keep moving and sharing the ball like we did last night."
Branko Lazic, Zvezda player
"We have to do everything better compared to the previous game. The fact is that we are in a series of away games, and that the second game of a double round always has extra weight. We have to play much stronger in defense, both individually and as a team, we have to play with more energy in the next game in order to get a favorable result. We don't have much time, but I believe it will be enough to be ready for the duel with Milan."