Stefano Pioli insists Milan proved they are Scudetto contenders in tonight’s 3-1 defeat to Juventus ‘in these circumstances.’
The Rossoneri saw their 27-round Serie A unbeaten run come to an end, as this was their first defeat since the lockdown started in March 2020.
However, they remain top of the table, because Inter were also beaten 2-1 by Sampdoria earlier this afternoon.
“We have to tip our hats and give credit to our opponents for managing to get back in front,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“We did what we needed to, created chances and inevitably allowed some too, but after going behind for the second time, it became more difficult to get back into it.
“We’ll evaluate a few defensive situations where we could’ve done better, but the team approached this game with generosity, determination and concentration.
“Their goalkeeper made a great save on Diogo Dalot when it was 1-1, then they went 2-1 up and it became an uphill struggle.”
It was perhaps inevitable Milan would struggle this evening, as they were without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ismael Bennacer, Sandro Tonali, Alexis Saelemaekers, Matteo Gabbia, then Ante Rebic and Rade Krunic were diagnosed with COVID-19 this morning.
Davide Calabria had to move from right-back to a new midfield role to fill the gaps.
“Many teams would struggle missing that many players, but although we had to change things, we tried to maintain our identity and I think we did that,” continued the coach.
“It was a very even game up until the second Juventus goal and I feel that’s the moment that changed it.
“The team could’ve been frightened by the situation, we found out last night that these two players couldn’t participate, but we held onto our values and identity.
“We knew Juventus could take advantage of the situation, as they’ve won the last nine Serie A titles, but we held out well overall. We were penalised by their quality in situations where we could’ve been a little more concentrated.”
This was Milan’s first Serie A defeat since March, but Pioli looks on the positive side.
“The lads had their heads down in the dressing room and were disappointed, but in a way it was healthy for us to experience defeat, as we hadn’t felt that for a while.
“I gave them a pat on the back, said they ought to be proud of what they achieved in the circumstances. We proved that we are a strong team tonight.”
Sky Sport Italia pundit Fabio Capello told Pioli that tonight’s performance confirmed Milan are Scudetto contenders and the coach agreed.
“I too am convinced we should be ambitious, that we should leave this evening confident that we can fight it out to the end, because we’ve got what it takes.
“Having maintained that level of performance all the way through, in these circumstances, says a great deal about how good a team this Milan is.”
