AC Milan defender Alessandro Florenzi claimed that the team have overcome their ‘first final’ as they ran out 1-0 winners against Empoli.
There was a lot of speculation in the days before the game about the changes that Stefano Pioli might make to his starting XI, but in the end the only alteration from the team that started against Napoli was Florenzi coming in at left-back to replace the suspended Theo Hernandez.
He once again put in an admirable shift there, helping to keep a clean sheet just as the team did in the 1-0 win over Sampdoria last month when he also filled in at left-back. Florenzi is showing his experience and versatility in a crucial phase of the season.
After the victory against Empoli, Florenzi spoke to Sky Italia to reflect on the three points and the team’s performance, which was far from vintage but was enough to get the job done.
“We expect many finals, but this was our first final. Now the next one is in Cagliari, we must continue with this wickedness and this team spirit. Empoli plays well, in one way or another this match had to be brought home,” he said (via MilanNews).
On the Scudetto: “We have to think only of ourselves and not of others. We continue on this path and hope to give other good performances.”
On his future: “I’m not thinking about it. I’m just trying to make myself available to the coach, then we’ll see what happens in June.”
Florenzi spoke to DAZN after the game too, and stressed how happy he is to be with Milan after a few difficult seasons in terms of finding consistent playing time.
How are you? “Not only me but everyone. We are all tired but all happy for this victory. If we got a 2-0 we’d be happier, but winning with pain is also good for the future.”
“Empoli play very well, it was not easy. Inside we had that extra desire that makes the difference. Being five points above Inter? It represents little, they will give their all. We have to play the game by ourselves, the next final will be on Saturday.”
On his season so far: “I found a very nice environment, a family that welcomed me and I put my part in it without ever lacking professionalism. My goal is to try to do something beautiful here at Milan and then we’ll see.”
Hope this club purchase him at end of season. He is versatile and not complain for being reserve. He can still useful 2 or 3 years as depth squad . He have good attitude on dressing room and field too
Well said