AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has stressed the importance of his side being able to ‘grit their teeth’ during what is a difficult moment.
Milan made it two wins from two in Serie A as they saw off Crotone 2-0 at the Stadio Ezio Scida on Sunday evening.
Just like on Monday night in the league opener against Bologna, it was a goal in each half that did the business for the Rossoneri.
The first came via the penalty spot as Ante Rebic was fouled with Franck Kessie taking on the responsibility and scored, while Brahim Diaz got a second from close range not long into the second half.
The result extends Milan’s unbeaten Serie A run to 14 games and stands them in good stead ahead of the next league encounter with Spezia at San Siro.
After the game Pioli spoke to Sky Italia, and his comments were transcribed by MilanNews.
“It was a difficult match. We are playing often and therefore it is unthinkable to always keep the pace high,” he said.
“We managed the game well, we could have managed the ball better but we approached the game well. We think about the next match and we must try to grow and improve.
“We are going through a delicate moment with injuries and more and therefore we have to grit our teeth. It is a delicate week and this is an important and just victory.”
There was a moment of worry for Milan in the 56th minute as Rebic went down in a heap as Tonali led a counter-attack for Milan, and it became apparent from the pictures that he dislocated his elbow.
“I hope Rebic’s injury isn’t serious. There seems to be no fracture and this would decrease recovery times,” Pioli said.
“I hope this news is confirmed (after more tests) and that he can resume as soon as possible also because the absence of Ibrahimovic and the late return of Leao and his forced entry leads us to have few choices in the forward department.”
On Brahim and Tonali, who were handed their first starts, he added: “I am satisfied with their performance. They need to play, get minutes in their legs and be ready. They are not 100% yet but they can give the team a great hand.”
