'AC Milan's history demands Champions League return' - Pioli

AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli on Saturday said that the history of the club demands that 'the Rossoneri' (nickname 'the Red and Black') return to the Champions League, on the eve of facing Cagliari in a match which will be crucial for Milan's European hopes.

With only two remaining Serie A matches AC Milan are in third place, with Napoli and Juventus also in contention for a spot in the Champions League group stage.

Juventus face Inter Milan on Saturday.

Pioli also expressed relief after learning that Zlatan Ibrahimovic's recent knee injury will not require surgery.

Ibrahimovic limped out of AC Milan's 3-0 win at Juventus last weekend and the Sweden forward will miss the upcoming European Championship.