It’s the eve of another ICC clash for AC Milan who on Tuesday, July 31st at 7.35pm (local time) will take on Tottenham Hotspur at the US Bank Stadium. Pochettino’s side is already in good shape as shown by their recent results against Roma (4-1 win) and Barcelona (2-2). But Gattuso’s boys have recently shown they are in good condition after drawing 1-1 against Manchester United. And the boss, alongside Cristian Zapata, addressed the media at the press conference on the eve of the match against Spurs.


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NEXT GAME
It’s going to be a tough match, although lots of those who played in the World Cup will be missing. It’s going to be an open game. We face a strong side, who in the past years have always been at the top of English football. I expect my boys to give continuity to the good performance vs United. Playing this kind of games must be a source of pride. I want to see my boys’ character, I want them to show on the pitch what we do in training. Any changes to the starting XI? We’ll see.

PRE-SEASON PREPARATION
I am really plaeased with how things are going. We’ll have a more clear picture after this game. We have worked hard and well, I am really happy with my boys.

ON THE ICC
This is a competition that gives the younger players the opportunity to show their qualities and get some playing time. Of course, the fans who pay the ticket want to see the top players in action, but we must also say that in this ICC we are seeing really interesting young talents. I think that the crowd enjoyed both Barcelona v Tottenham and AC Milan v Manchester United.

TRANSFER MARKET RUMOURS
All the players have their smartphones. The rumours are here in the States too, it’s absolutely normal. I think there can be lots of distractions at this time, but these boys are professionals, we mustn’t worry about this.
Alongside Rino Gattuso was Cristian Zapata with the Colombian defender previewing the match against Tottenham: “Games like this help the whole team improve, especially the younger players. It’s very useful also because the league will begin soon. This is a rock-solid group. I am expecting a really good season for all of us, especially for myself. The World Cup? It was a troubled experience caused by the injury I had. I tried to help the team and, in the end, Colombia had a good World Cup”.