AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli believes his side’s fighting spirit and intensity allowed them to reach the final four of the Coppa Italia.
The Rossoneri completed a comeback to beat Torino 4-2 after extra time and book their place in the semi-finals.
Giacomo Bonaventura got the scoring underway with a close range finish, but a double from Torino centre-back Bremer saw the away side leading until the first minute of added time at the end of the 90.
Hakan Calhanoglu – off the bench as Milan’s final substitute – equalised with a fantastically taken strike form distance, and he did the same again early in the second period of extra time to give Milan the lead.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goal two minutes later sealed the Rossoneri’s passage into the final four, where a two-legged tie with Juventus awaits.
Pioli spoke to Rai Sport after the game, and his words were transcribed by MilanNews.it.
“A beautiful game. We played well, we didn’t deserve to be behind in the second half. We had to end the first half with more goals. The team has an incredible spirit. We had a difficult but deserved turn in fortune,” he said.
“In the other matches we conceded too many chances, tonight we gave Toro the bare minimum. On the first goal immediately there was a carelessness. The team was compact and worked well. I am also very happy with the intensity it has put in and the quality. Tonight we created many scoring chances.”
On Rebic: “He had another excellent performance, he works hard for the team and has quality in games. He is a rediscovered player.”
On Calhanoglu: “I have many players available, the important thing is to be a team, then the qualities of the singles can help us win the games.
“We cannot play with five forwards, four are already many. The important thing is to enter with the right approach and with balance.
“The games can also be resolved with the subs who enter the game in progress, I have many solutions. We can be more effective in front of goal.”
On Piatek: “I believe in the players I have available. There is a moment of decline. But we must continue to work well, the season is long.”
On the semi-final against Juve: “We will face the strongest team in Italy, but they are not unbeatable. Now let’s think about the championship. Let’s stay focused and think about one game at a time.”
