AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso praised his side for the character shown in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Lazio at San Siro.
In an expectedly cagey affair, Franck Kessie’s penalty 11 minutes from time was the deciding factor.
The result means that Milan move six points clear of Lazio, and though the Aquile have a game in hand the Rossoneri possess a better head-to-head record.
“In order to play against Lazio, you need to take this approach. You need pace, technique and physicality,” Gattuso told DAZN (via Football Italia).
“We already showed a week ago against Juve that we were improving, while tonight we won the battle in midfield and did well to bring it home. The team did its duty.
“The lads have to fight for the jersey. Coaches come and go, the club remains. It was our duty to put in a strong performance and we have to compliment these lads who, despite their tender age, are giving everything. Negative moments are inevitable, but we are back to winning ways.”
Gattuso also discussed the brawl which took place after the final whistle, as Luiz Felipe and Fabio Borini went at each other.
“I even gave myself a thigh strain running over to calm everyone down! I was on the bench, I saw some words were flying between the sets of players. The important thing is that it ends there.
“When I was a player, this sort of thing fired me up, but now I see it with different eyes and am too old for that. Plus, if I launch a slap, I’m very likely to get one back and they’ve all been to the gym more than me.”
Rino provided an update on Alessio Romagnoli and Davide Calabria, who both limped off at the same time.
“No, it was nothing muscular for Romagnoli, he just got a knock and couldn’t bend the muscle, so he asked to be substituted.”
