Alexis Saelemaekers has admitted that he was tasked with thwarting Federico Dimarco as he reflected on AC Milan’s derby win over Inter.
Milan made it a Serie A double over their city rivals on Sunday night at San Siro, winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Pervis Estupinan. The Ecuadorian fired into the top corner after a lovely pass from Youssouf Fofana found his run in behind, and that would be enough for all three points.
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A resolute defensive effort followed from Milan, who managed to hold off pressure from Inter, even if Mike Maignan was quiet. It means the gap at the top is cut to seven points, and Milan have also ended the Nerazzurri’s unbeaten run at 15 games, since the last derby.
‘The dog was more important than the game’
Saelemaekers spoke to DAZN after the 1-0 derby victory to give his thoughts on another hard-fought win in a big game this season under Massimiliano Allegri. His words were relayed by MilanNews.
You surprised Inter with an unusual approach, pressing high up the pitch. Allegri is still talking about a Champions League spot…
“We agree with the coach, we’re following his lead. Our goal is to qualify for the Champions League. We played a great match, which was important for us. We had a great mentality, united until the end. We must continue to do so in the next matches.”
What difficulties did you encounter today in the defensive phase?
“We know Dimarco is a great player and that Inter’s game depends primarily on him. For me, the defensive phase was important. They’re dangerous on the left side, I tried to block his crosses because we know he has really top technique.
“Whenever you give him space, he puts the ball where he wants. These were the coach’s tips before the match: block his crosses, go hard on him straight away, don’t let him play. It was a game within a game today, I’m happy we won and got the three points.”
Was Milan’s approach the right one?
“I have to say we approached it the right way, we were focused from start to finish. There are ups and downs in the game, and in those moments, we have to stay united until the end. There’s always room for improvement, and we’ll try to do so until the end of the season.”
Your parents were also at the stadium today…
“They sent me two messages. ‘Great game,’ and then ‘Can you check with the camera if our Blu [Alexis’ dog] is okay?’ (laughs). They’re in love with my dog. The dog was more important than the game.”
Alex.. tell ur parent that Blu isn’t ok, cz she got smack by Red.. twice haha
Di Marco is a big game bottler.
Inter are flat track bullies.
Sale upgraded a lot. Even with Pioli after he was first time sent on loan.
Love that back handed dig that inters only strength is Di Marco. Honestly they were toothless today, no bother at all. We handed them this league.
Great win. Glad to have Alexis back. You need guys like him to win. Didn’t do much going forward today but obviously his job was to contain FD and anything else was gravy.
Let’s hope Inter has a little wobble now.
Saelemaekers could have been the MVP too. Kept Dimarco silent.