Stefano Pioli has admitted that there is disappointment after AC Milan lost yet another derby to exit the Champions League at the semi-final stage.
There was to be no miracle comeback from AC Milan as they lost 1-0 on the night against Inter and 3-0 on aggregate, crashing out in the semi-finals but also losing a fourth derby in a row against the Nerazzurri in which they did not score.
Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s goals in the first leg meant that a minor miracle was needed to reach the final in Istanbul next month, but it never came and Lautaro Martinez’s goal in the second half last night stamped Inter’s ticket.
Pioli spoke to Mediaset after the game to try and reflect on what was obviously a memorable run for the team deep into the competition, but another hurdle fallen at when it comes to their city rivals.
“It’s a big disappointment, let’s face it. We’ve had a great journey in the Champions League yes, also thinking about what we did last year, but we wanted to get to the final because that counts. There is disappointment,” he said (via MilanNews).
“Unfortunately we conditioned this semi-final with the first 15 minutes of the first leg, then for the rest we were up to a very strong team.
“We had two chances to reopen the tie I can’t reproach my players for anything. We tried with everything we had. Now we have to finish the season well, it would be a shame…
“The regrets are clearly for the first few minutes of the first leg, but then Inter won both games, not really dominating. Today much more similar to the second half of the first leg. Then we didn’t manage to score.
“We were doing well with positions, we lacked quality and precision. I was preparing changes and we conceded, then the match was almost over there.
“We weren’t able to be as dangerous as we usually are, due to Inter’s compactness and a pace and precision that should have been better.
“We tried today, but we weren’t as precise and composed. Inter in these matches scored against us with their first chances, we weren’t able to do the same thing.”
“Not really dominating” ??
We almost had no chances to score in 180 minutes while Inter had plenty, and if it was not for Maignan the tie could have ended 0-5 or more.
Pioli’s declarations these last weeks have been lunatic, thanks for the Scudetto but it (REALLY) is time to move on and find an actual decent coach.
Etien, you are right. Unfortunately. We not only lost both legs, but were outplayed in both.