AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has admitted that a ‘lack of precision’ in the final third cost his side what would have been a deserved win against Atalanta.
Milan dominated the game in possession and territory but found themselves trailing at the break due to a deflected Ruslan Malinovskyi strike, and though Ismael Bennacer levelled midway through the second half it would only result in a share of the spoils.
Pioli spoke to Milan TV at the end of the match to reflect upon the performance and the result, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
On the match: “It is very different from the other matches, we went behind after half an hour and it was the first time that Atalanta looked forward. We were masters, there was a lack of precision in the last portion of the field. But I am satisfied with the performance, the rhythm and the compactness. We are Milan, we cannot be satisfied with the result, but I am satisfied with the performance.”
On the changes: “We have certain characteristics to play even with two forwards and a front-quarter. We were very dangerous in the final, we didn’t score for a very short time. Those who entered did well, they will grow in condition. The calendar will be very tight and demanding.”
On the numbers of the match and the domination of Milan: “I agree it is two points lost.”
On the goal conceded: “It is true, but it is not that we can prevent our opponents from never making a cross. The mistake was to stay too many in the air, a couple of our people could read Malinovskyi’s movement better. We were also unlucky, without Pierre’s deflection I think Mike would have saved it.”
On attacking set pieces: “Now on this story here we need to be more objective: Kalulu had a sensational chance. We often face teams with more height than us, we have other characteristics.”
