As a result of Inter and Napoli’s 1-1 draw last night, AC Milan needed a win vs. Sampdoria today to leapfrog them both in the standings and they succeeded. Sandro Tonali described the win as the end of a perfect week.
The Rossoneri took the lead early in the first half as Rafael Leao made the most of a long ball from Mike Maignan. In the second half, they had a good amount of chances to double the lead but they just lacked the finishing touch, although it wasn’t needed in the end.
Speaking to DAZN and Sky Italia after the game (via MilanNews), Tonali described the win against Sampdoria as the end of a perfect week, also beating Inter and Lazio.
On this past week…
“Let’s define it as the perfect week because it can’t be done better than that. We are proud and satisfied. Maybe we needed a goal in the second half to be more relaxed, but it’s a perfect week even so. We don’t sit down, however, because it would be a stupid thing. We have to reset everything and continue on this path.
On tough periods…
“At the beginning of the year, we talked about it because last season, we saw that it’s a matter of climbing or falling at this stage. We started this year with the same mentality but more aware of what every game or three wins in a row can give you.”
On what this week means…
“I’m happy, if we take away these last two years, it’s been a long time since Milan played like this and as a fan, you weren’t as happy to come to the stadium. We are happy for the fans and proud of all this. We know that those who come to the stadium love us, and we try to repay them on the pitch.”
The 25th game as a starter…
“Every game changes. Even today it was not easy, we are not used to playing at noon with this temperature. You have to get used to all this in the warm-up. I’m happy with what I’m doing and don’t give up an inch.”
On the assist of Maignan…
“Surely you don’t see an assist from the goalkeeper every day, we are happy for him because he tries often and we are all happy because we found the goal immediately. It would be a great challenge to see him in midfield. He is a very good guy, he works very hard.
“He has the mentality to be a Milan goalkeeper, we love him. He learned Italian in 5 days, he is also lucky enough to have some French guys in the team: we are all helping him. If I’m afraid that he will steal my place in midfield? He looks good in goal (laughs).”
On the renewals of important players…
“I certainly feel the affection of the fans, not only me but other players are inside Milan as people and as players. The club is with us, it protects us and this is fundamental.”
If he wants to renew Kessie and Romagnoli…
“Yes, because I have known Franck and Alessio for a long time. Even today we showed that we love each other. This is also demonstrated by the 1-0 goal when we all went to hug Mike,” he concluded.
In our player ratings (read here), Tonali was given a 6,5/10 for his efforts on the pitch. He perhaps didn’t add as much flair as we have become used to, but given the physical nature of the game that was to be expected.
READ MORE – AC Milan 1-0 Sampdoria: Early Leao goal sends the Rossoneri above Inter
Tonali You always will be in our heart
We always love you guys.
You bringing us some happy time
Thank you
Boy i love u with all my heart being rosenero for 23 years now but u are one of my best for just two years keep it up
Tonali——Cane Pazzo—–100%, 100% of the time, glad he is on our side !