Despite trailing Inter Milan 2-0 following the first leg of the semi-final, AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli believes his team can reach the Champions League final.

The second leg takes place on Tuesday at the San Siro, with Inter serving as the designated home team.

Inter won the first leg on Wednesday thanks to goals from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

“We know we’re starting from a disadvantage, but we also have the ability to overcome it,” Pioli added.

“No one believes Milan can reach the final now, more than ever.”

“I know how strong my players are, and we can play a great game.” We’ve made some blunders, but the past doesn’t matter.

“We have a significant goal in mind: to win and qualify for the final, which no one would have predicted at the start of the year, just as no one would have predicted our presence in the semi-finals.”

AC Milan may have Portugal winger Rafael Leao available after the 23-year-old missed the first match due to a thigh injury.

“He [Leao] is better, and so are [midfielder Rade] Krunic and [winger Junior] Messias,” Pioli remarked.

“If everything goes as planned, they’ll be ready for the game.”

Inter are third in Serie A, five points ahead of fifth-placed AC Milan, and are attempting to reach the final for the first time since winning the European Championship in 2010.

“We know it’s going to be one of the most important games in Inter’s history,” manager Simone Inzaghi stated.

“We have a legitimate advantage, but we won’t just have to manage it.” We’ll have to play like Inter, knowing that we’re up against a formidable opponent.

“We’re 90 minutes away from fulfilling a dream that I and these wonderful guys had.”

“A cool head and a warm heart will be required.” For matches like these, it’s the only way.”