Stefano Pioli was very pleased with AC Milan’s 2-1 victory over Roma earlier this evening, and he revealed why. He also revealed that he was ready to replace Fikayo Tomori when he was sent off.
Olivier Giroud opened the score for Milan after only nine minutes, converting a penalty won by Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Rafael Leao extended the lead early in the second half, but in the 60th minute, Fikayo Tomori was sent off for his second yellow card.
The Rossoneri defended brilliantly, and despite conceding a late goal, they took all three points. Speaking to DAZN, as reported by MilanNews, Pioli discussed the game and the start to the season.
On the game…
“The result, like the performance, is important because it provides continuity to the first two games.” I was subbing for Fik and Ruben; regrettably, I arrived too late, but we suffered from personality and generosity. A significant triumph over a formidable opponent. We wanted to get off to a good start, and the timetable wasn’t easy, but we’re happy today, knowing that there’s still a lot to do better and build on.”
You took a chance on a draw…
“I didn’t think about the January game, but we equalized in the final minutes last year here at the Olimpico.” It’s not like we can spend the entire season reflecting on what we did or didn’t do the previous year. Of course, I loved how we started, especially in the first half when we generated three or four good chances without being put in danger. So many things went well, and so many things could be better. It’s only the beginning, but we’re seeing some promising signs.”
Calabria’s new role in the center of the field…
“We want to build with Mike and 5 other players.” Then it’s either 4+1, 3+2, or 2+3… The guys have figured out how to read the spaces and how their opponents will line up. These are the mechanisms we are looking for. We worked a little more on Calabria as an inverted full-back today, which offered Theo more opportunities to read the space.
“With equal numbers, we had complete control of the game.” We were so determined to finish the first three games with three victories that tensions began to rise. But, once again, we defended brilliantly and conceded little. We gave up a goal on a deflection, but even in 10 minutes, the team was compact and generous.”
How many goals is Leao capable of scoring?
“I’m hoping he gets a lot of points.” He needs to keep moving like he did tonight; he was a focal point for our offensive phase. He eventually found himself in the area after following a cross from the opposite side. He still forgets to go there on occasion. It’s fantastic; he should keep going like this. As I coach him every day, I can see his desire for him and his mental improvement. Guys who are calm, joyful, and motivated.”
Jovic, Giroud’s deputy has arrived…
“He was on our forward want list. He comes off a rough season, but he’s a quality and capable player. Players like this, with the appropriate motivation, may always come in helpful, so I’m confident he’ll assist us. We signed another center-forward since we will be playing a lot of games and want to be ambitious.
“We had Giroud, Ibra, Origi, and Rebic last year.” We have one less this year, but we believe we are adequately covered in all roles. When we return from the break and have 7 games in 21 days, there will be room for everyone; you cannot play all three games every three days to maintain performance.”
After returning after the break, the derby…
“All matches are exams we must pass. This will be a difficult exam, there is an opponent of very high quality but we will prepare well. Of course, there will be a stop in the middle and we will have very little time to prepare for it. After the break, it’s better to face such an important game rather than a dangerous challenge from a concentration point of view, I’ll find the boys determined. The derby arrives very soon, there is great rivalry and ambition. We both want to win the second star.”
Milan will face Inter after the international break and will be without Tomori, for obvious reasons. It remains to be seen if the manager will go with Simon Kjaer or Pierre Kalulu for that clash.
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