AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has admitted to being ‘disappointed’ with his side’s performance as the unbeaten away league run ended against Torino.
Pioli opted to make multiple changes to his starting line-up compared to the team that beat Dinamo Zagreb in midweek as Fikayo Tomori returned from suspension, Tommaso Pobega came into the double pivot to face the team he was on loan at last season while Junior Messias, Brahim Diaz and Divock Origi came into the attack.
However, the amount of rotation was evident as the team showed probably their most disjointed and incoherent display of the season. They conceded twice in quick succession as an unmarked Djidji headed a free-kick past Ciprian Tatarusanu and Aleksei Miranchuk beat him with a low shot that took a slight deflection.
Junior Messias did get one back in the second half but no big chances were created to generate an equaliser. Stefano Pioli spoke to DAZN after the game to reflect on the loss, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“We weren’t very lucid. We didn’t play at the highest level. The matches must be addressed, putting quality and determination in the decisive moments, but we weren’t good in ours and in the opponent’s area; we conceded too much.”
What did you dislike compared to what you had prepared?
“We had to dribble more being much more open; Junior did it, Leao less. We tried to get 4 on 4 in front, but the speed of the game from behind and the movements in front were not fast. We were not qualitatively high to unlock the match.”
Why the three changes at half-time?
“I wanted to change something, looking for more liveliness and movement without the ball, with more drive with Dest instead of Kalulu.”
Why did you take Leao off?
“It wasn’t his best night, that’s evident. I have other players with different characteristics and I tried to change. It’s a loss that hurts.”
Are you disappointed?
“I am disappointed, we wanted to continue our strong streak and I expected another convincing performance. We will certainly have to work better.”
Is Napoli’s position scarier now?
“Tonight’s game was important to keep second place and not move away from Napoli; there are many of them and they are having an exceptional season, but it is still long. We must resume our journey, putting aside this bad defeat and thinking about Wednesday: the first goal is approaching.”
Do you expect Salzburg to be similar to Torino?
“No, they are aggressive, but they do not remain closed, with a different mentality than Turin. I think it will be a different game than Turin.”
