AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has admitted that the mission to get a top four spot has become complicated after a dreadful defeat against Spezia.
Milan put in potentially their worst performance of the season to follow up a very disappointing outing in midweek against Inter as they were beaten 2-0 by Spezia at the Stadio Alberto Picco against a side in 18th place in the table.
The first goal of the game came in the second half when Przemysław Wiśniewski reacted to a header against the post to fire in from close range, then Simone Esposito’s wonderful free-kick doubled the advantage and sealed the victory.
Pioli spoke to DAZN after the game to try and assess what was a difficult night for his side, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Is this a match we’ve already seen from Milan?
“We lacked consistency during the match, we needed more pace and speed. It was a balanced game, decent first half, then in the second after the goal we disunited. A performance not up to our par.”
Is a comeback against Inter possible?
“We’re playing a match with which we can make history, we have to believe we can beat Inter if, clearly, we play our football in terms of attention, energy and quality. In the last two games we haven’t been up to par: we can play much better.”
Did the Champions League have an impact?
“It’s normal that we have the Champions League in mind and it’s normal to be disappointed with the first leg, but we knew how important it was today.
“This match today complicates our future in the league, so it means that we’ll have to play a great game on Tuesday. We still have many possibilities to make this season positive. We have to believe we have the chance to beat Inter.”
What did the fans tell you?
“They spurred and stimulated us to give our all.”
Is there regret for where you find yourselves this late in the season?
“Four days before the first leg we played one of the best matches against Lazio, then the first 20 minutes of the derby changed things for us. We know we will have to play a similar match in the second half.”
How are Leao and the injured players?
“Today those who weren’t able to play today stayed at home, but they could be there on Tuesday and we’re doing everything to get them back. Even today’s changes were in that direction. If I call Leao up, will he play in the starting line-up? Yes, I think so.”
