Antonio Mirante believes that AC Milan did not deserve to lose against Juventus last night because the team showed their capabilities even playing a man down.
At the start of last week Mirante was preparing for another game on the bench, but then Marco Sportiello’s calf problem meant he was thrust into a position of being the starting goalkeeper for a huge game in the league.
It was his first start in Serie A for two years but you would not have been able to tell. The 40-year-old made smart saves from Dusan Vlahovic and Andrea Cambiaso in particular, eventually being beaten by a Manuel Locatelli shot that took a wicked deflection.
Mirante spoke to DAZN after the game to try and reflect on what was a memorable night for him personally but a tough one for the team, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
How do you judge the game?
“We started well, we were in control. Sometimes we accept parity at the back because we have players who allow us to do so. Sometimes there is also the skill of the opponents, it wasn’t a question of being too bold. It’s our way of playing that led us to important results.”
How did it feel to be back on the pitch?
“I’m a calm person. I always have to train well. There’s a bit of emotion, but then when you enter the pitch you just look at the ball.”
How will the squad respond?
“We are a team with great energy and desire. Tonight with 10 of us I understood the strength of this team and this gives me hope for the next matches. This attitude and this desire can make the difference.”
Mirante also gave a brief interview to Sky in which he tried to summarise the 90 minutes against the Bianconeri.
“It’s a great emotion to be back playing after a long time, I’m very sorry for the defeat, we didn’t deserve it. Our attitude in 10 against 11 was strong, it made me want to play another 10 years,” he said.
“We played against a defensive team, it wasn’t easy and we knew it, but today we were unlucky. Locatelli’s goal? It wasn’t easy, it was an easy shot but unfortunately I couldn’t ask Rade to move, I I’m sorry because it was a saveable shot.”
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