After the disappointing draw against Bologna, AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli spoke to the media and addressed the controversy regarding VAR. Indeed, the Rossoneri felt like they were robbed this afternoon.
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Bologna took the lead after just 33 seconds but in the build-up to the goal, Fode Ballo-Toure was brought down and VAR initially reviewed it. However, even though it looked like a foul, the goal stood and Milan were down 1-0.
Then, Milan had not one but two penalty appeals, at least one of which looked like a stonewall penalty. Speaking to DAZN, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli was clearly enraged about the officiating and voiced his opinions.
On the game…
“We were in the game for the entirety of it. Of course, we shouldn’t have started like that… To concede like that doesn’t fit our level. Then we controlled the game, but we weren’t precise and concrete enough in the final third. It’s clear that we can’t be satisfied. In the league, we’re disappointed to have lost this opportunity.”
On the controversy…
“These incidents can determine the final result… There were two penalties. Honestly: the dynamics of the handball tell you that it’s a handball. You whistle and then you go to the VAR. For me it was a penalty: then if the VAR corrects it, it’s corrected. But it was a penalty. I’m sorry.”
Game, however, well done…
“We had to dribble a little more, but we played well in many situations. We lacked the final touch. We put ourselves in trouble with the goal conceded at the start.”
Are you thinking of something different for Napoli?
“It’s possible that we are thinking about something… We have a small advantage. It’s clear if they attack us more we could take different positions. Then we’ll see. It was a very balanced, very difficult match. We expect many difficulties, but we expect to have the solutions to create difficulties for Napoli.”
When did you think about the rotation today?
“The coach has to evaluate many solutions. This year, we paid double the effort. So playing three games in 6 days is difficult, especially in the Champions League and against a Bologna side who were doing well… I chose to let those with the most energy play, physically and mentally. I have a strong group at my disposal, tomorrow I’ll only show them the first 30 seconds.”
Is it the most important game of your career on Wednesday?
“You’ve always asked me the same question… It’s the most important for our group. Milan’s history is glorious, but ours is a different path at a different time. Getting through this round of the Champions League would be extraordinary for us. There is a need to do something exceptional and extraordinary.”
Milan will take on Napoli in the second leg of the Champions League on Tuesday and the starters will then be back in action. It remains to be seen if today’s heavy rotation will pay off then, or if the Rossoneri shot themselves in the foot (in the league).
