After the game between AC Milan and Inter, Stefano Pioli spoke to the media about his side’s performance. While they had many chances to find a way through, at least they didn’t concede a goal.
The latter is very important as the away goal rule still applies in Coppa Italia, meaning Milan know have somewhat of an advantage for the second leg. That is, even if that game ends in a draw (bar 0-0), they will go through to the final.
Interviewed by Mediaset after the game, as cited by MilanNews, Pioli shared his thoughts on the Rossoneri’s performance and what it means for the second leg. He believes Milan deserves to win the clash.
Are Milan better?
“I think Milan are better because we played a good match and we deserved something more. Seeing as it’s a two-legged affair, it’s a good result but the team deserved to win.”
How was the yield today?
“A partial yield, but I’m satisfied with the performance. We are showing that we can compete, in the last two years we have made an important path and we want to try to win something. We will give everything like tonight to try to make this season very important.”
Some choices made with Napoli in mind?
“I chose the team that was better tonight. The team was the best, then of course we all know how important Sunday’s clash with Napoli will be. The more difficult the obstacles are, the more beautiful they are to overcome.”
On the performance of the individuals…
“The team attacked a very high-quality formation, I think Bennacer and Kessie played a great game. We played as a team for the whole game. The performance is of a high level for all the players.”
On Brahim Diaz…
“I made a lot of evaluations, I preferred a team that was more energetic and strong. We conceded little and we were dangerous, so my choices weren’t wrong. We were a team, and even those who entered did well. I’m sorry we didn’t win, we deserved to win: we’ll play it in the return leg.”
Do players think too much before shooting?
“Anyone who has played football knows that if there is a better-placed teammate, it is better to pass. We missed in the final third, the last step and the last choice. We will try to be more precise starting as early as next Sunday, which will be a very difficult and important match.”
How was Kessie’s performance?
“Good like all his teammates. We worked really well, we need to gain strength after this performance. We are a team that can stay at these levels and we have to believe in it until the end.”
Milan will have to shift focus from the Coppa Italia starting tomorrow, though, as they will face Napoli in a very important league clash on Sunday. They obviously want to reclaim first place and they will need to win to do that.
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