De Zerbi praises Sassuolo for playing ‘without fear’ against Milan and defends criticism of Super League

By Akhil Prasad -

Giacomo Raspadori’s seven-minute brace in the second half was enough to put a huge dent in Milan’s hopes of making the top four.

Hakan Calhanoglu’s stunning first-half curler proved to be inadequate in the end as Sassuolo ran out 2-1 winners at San Siro this evening.

Roberto De Zerbi, Sassuolo’s manager was ecstatic after the victory. Speaking to Sky Sports (via MilanNews) at the post-match conference, he said: “We had important opportunities in the first half as well. Milan are strong but we also had opportunities in the first 45 minutes.

“We didn’t have to prove that we knew how to play football, I spoke to the players saying that every now and then you have to take a position – to let out what you think without fear.”

The Brescia-born former attacking midfielder started his professional playing career with Milan and has fond memories of his time with the Rossoneri.

“I was lucky enough to grow in Milan with the real champions. Now I am no longer in the club but something of Milan in terms of mentality I carry with me with pride. It is an important club,” said Zerbi.

The 41-year-old was furious on Milan’s stance to be part of the European Super League as a founding member.

Speaking in length to the official Sassuolo channel before the game, Zerbi said: “I don’t like to play against Milan because they are part of these three clubs, but if [Sassuolo’s CEO Giovanni] Carnevali forces me, of course, I will go.”

After playing Milan, Zerbi stuck to his thoughts and words: “I confirm what I said yesterday. The players and fans of Milan, Juve and Inter are excluded from all this right to say these things, I have not offended anyone, I am even more convinced today because everyone has mobilised. Maybe I have precluded myself from going to one of these clubs, but I would do it again because I am right.”

Milan sit in second place and risk falling into third or even fourth place, behind Atalanta and Juventus.

Tags AC Milan Milan-Sassuolo

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