Pioli: “No coincidence that the results are coming, we have had a lot of good performances”

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli

The Rossoneri prevailed in a thriller at the Stadio Renato dall’Ara to move back into the top half of the Serie A table.

Krzysztof Piatek gave the Rossoneri the lead from the spot before Theo Hernandez joined him on four goals for the season, but the Frenchman then scored an own-goal to halve the lead.

Giacomo Bonaventura netted another gorgeous goal to pad the lead once again before Nicola Sansone’s penalty made it a nervy conclusion for Milan, who missed several chances on the break in stoppage time.

The result moves Milan eight points away from the European spots, with home games against Sassuolo and Atalanta up next.

Pioli spoke to Sky Italia after the game, and his words were transcribed by MilanNews.it.

“The goal is next Sunday’s game, from these victories we have to bring so many positive feelings,” he said.

“Tonight was an excellent match between two teams fighting to score goals. We must be even more aware of our quality. With Sassuolo it will be just as difficult, we have to prepare in the best way.”

Piatek’s goal drought stopped at six games, something Pioli thinks will be big for his confidence.

“It was a very important point of reference. He won many duels, he held many balls, he too will come out with more conviction and confidence.

“In addition to the quality of the players we need the attitude and team spirit, now we are all doing it and it is no coincidence that the results are coming.

“We have had a lot of good performances, now we believe more, we cannot hold back. We must insist, today we did not have to suffer so much, Bologna never gives up.”

On Theo Hernandez: “In the offensive phase he has important timing, great physicality and good footwork. At the beginning I may have started him too high in the first games, we have to make some movements to create the spaces and raise the center of gravity. We also emphasise Suso’s play. It is good to see so many players going behind the line.”

On Bennacer and Bonaventura: “They are players who know how to find the space, today the central defenders have also worked well in the ball possession phase.

“Bonaventura, Bennacer, Calhanoglu, Suso and Kessie too have moved well. We have players to play good football. With intensity and ideas we can match many teams in the Italian league.”

On Sinisa Mihajlovic, he added: “I was very happy to be able to say hello, I wanted to hug him, he told me it would be better than not.

“I’m glad I found him again. We hope that everything is directed in the right path for him. It’s one thing that touched me and made me very happy.”

Tags AC Milan Stefano Pioli
Serie A Standings

Live football scores . Current table, fixtures & results.