AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani expressed his disappointment that refereeing decisions had such a big part to play in the elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Atalanta last night.
Things seemed to be going well for Milan when Rafael Leao’s lovely strike put the Rossoneri in the lead right at the end of the first half, but Teun Koopmeiners equalised 90 seconds later.
Then, two controversial decisions ultimately influenced the outcome of the game. Firstly there was the penalty that gave Atalanta the lead when Miranchuk made a run to the byline and went down under a challenge from Jimenez, though replays showed the Spaniard got a touch on the ball.
Right at the end when Milan were pushing for a leveller, a corner was headed onto the arm of Holm who certainly had it in an unnatural position to begin with, but again there was no review and the full-time whistle went straight after.
Furlani spoke to Sky and Mediaset after the to try and assess what was a frustrating night and another trophy down the pan, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Milan fought but were eliminated, how do you express your disappointment?
“It’s very disappointing because we wanted to stay in the running in all possible competitions, even in Serie A we believe we can do better, this evening there were negative episodes which unfortunately penalised us, but everything is not bad and we remain focused on the present with clarity and desire to do well.”
Could the January window still hold some surprises?
“The market has been open for 10 days, we have just added two defenders with Gabbia who has returned and Terracciano, we are always ready to seize other opportunities. If there are opportunities we will seize them.”
Is Rade Krunic leaving? There are rumours Fenerbahce have agreed a fee…
“Everything should be ok for Rade, we wish him good luck for the future.”
Are there any incidents that make Milan angry this evening?
“There are a couple of unfortunate episodes. On the penalty for them, our defender, Jimenez, touches the ball. And right in the 94th minute the ball touches the wide arm of one of their defenders. Everyone makes mistakes, in my opinion there are refereeing errors today.”
Your position on VAR?
“In my opinion we don’t understand anything when VAR intervenes, when it should and when it shouldn’t, what the judgments are like. It’s all very subjective, a bit sad for Italian football.”
Milan were coming off a good run, how much does the defeat hurt?
“Runs can’t last forever. Let’s keep what good has been done in the last month. This went badly, even for the episodes, and we move on.”
Sissies give excuses, we should have buried the game long before the incidents. What did he tell Pioli about conceding a goal under 2mins after scoring one? If we had not conceded that goal our chances in the 2nd half might have been better.
If you want to win, it shows. Not all these tactic variations that have cost us points rather than gain points.
Feuern sie endlich Pioli
U are doing well juddah,kicked out from CL,kicked out from coppa,9 points bellow the leader in serie A,amazing work,u will fck us completely no doubt!
Furlani is a dingleberry