AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli celebrated his 26th birthday with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Torino to reach the last eight of the Coppa Italia.
Just like it did at this stage of last year’s competition, the game went to extra time as the Rossoneri were wasteful and failed to take any of their opportunities. Not only that but they had some chances to win it in the extra 30 minutes too, and there was a feeling going into the penalty shootout that it just wasn’t Milan’s night.
In the end though Milan would score all five of their penalties in the shootout and it would be Rincon who would be the man to let Torino down as the Diavolo emerged victorious 5-4.
Romagnoli was a big part of the defensive unit that was much changed from Saturday’s win but managed to keep Torino at bay again, this time for an extra 90 minutes.
He spoke to Rai Sport’s microphones after the game to reflect on the win, with his words transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
“It’s the best way to celebrate my birthday. Tough game, Toro played well. We had several scoring chances and in the end we are managed to win,” he said.
“We do not give up anything. The championship is long, we think game after game. Now Cagliari, then Atalanta: we try to do our best, as always.”
