AC Milan defender Davide Calabria has reflected on a ‘fundamental’ victory in the capital and revealed a special instruction that Stefano Pioli gave.
Milan had to dig deep and find every bit of character they had in them at the Stadio Olimpico, especially given that Inter had beaten Roma on Saturday night at San Siro, and the task was made much harder when Ciro Immobile scored inside five minutes to give Lazio the lead.
Nonetheless, the Rossoneri roared back in the second half. The equaliser came from Olivier Giroud as he stabbed home a cut-back after great work by Rafael Leao. Few saw the drama in injury time coming though as Sandro Tonali asserted his hero status by stabbing home a winner in the second minute of five added on to secure a huge win and send Milan back top.
After the game Calabria spoke to DAZN to reflect on the win and the performance, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
On the victory: “It is fundamental because it gives us great confidence. Lazio have a lot of talent, especially in front. So winning like this in the end gives us great satisfaction and confidence for this season finale.”
On young players: “In the last few matches we conceded goals after a few minutes, they are perhaps mistakes of youth. These are important lessons, but we are sure of our means, we feel good on the pitch. We are happy with what we are doing.”
On the work of the full-backs: “Towards the end, the coach told us to get up and have one of the central midfielders in between the two central defenders. We wanted to have their wingers defend. It’s a solution we have.”
On Bologna-Inter on Wednesday: “Obviously we will look at the result. But before we look at Inter we will have to think about ourselves and win the last four games. If we win all of them we will be very satisfied. Obviously we have to hope for their misstep but not it will be easy because they are strong.”
I think that seeing Davide as capitano shows what long term dedication can give to someone who remains loyal to their cause. He earns that title considering the history and current status.
Forza Milano.
What a great victory @ the Olimpico.
As I said last week,we have a good squad which is capable of being champions.
They need to be more cohesive.
bro, we have an average squad…the attack needs an urgent overhaul, the midfield reserve options for nxt season remain to be tested in the milan jersey and we have been one injury away from a defensive crisis since day 1. Our reserve keeper surprises everyone when he has a good game, even himself!
All props to Pioli and the good work he has done so far, the right man at the right time.