Davide Calabria made a dream come true as Milan captain at Anfield, but admits Liverpool are ‘accustomed to a different tempo’ and it took a while to adapt in the Champions League.
The Rossoneri were over-run in the opening half-hour, going a goal down to a deflected Trent Alexander-Arnold effort and seeing Mohamed Salah’s penalty saved by Mike Maignan.
“Liverpool started really strong, you can see they are accustomed to a different tempo and are one of the best teams in the world, with formidable players in every area,” Calabria told Sky Sport Italia.
Nonetheless, Milan were 2-1 up at half-time through Ante Rebic and Brahim Diaz, who found the net just one minute and 48 seconds from each other.
Liverpool won 3-2 with second half Salah and Jordan Henderson strikes.
“It was a difficult match and almost like several games in one. We didn’t feel afraid, we were just struggling to get a grip on the situation. We did and turned the game around, but made mistakes and should’ve been more concentrated to avoid conceding those two goals,” continued Calabria.
There are positives for the Rossoneri to build on and Calabria sees the glass half-full.
“In an atmosphere like this, the first time Milan were in the Champions League for seven years and the first time many of us were in the Champions League, against one of the best teams in the world, I’d say we did really well to turn it around and score two goals here.
“We have to build on the positives, it’s only natural we’d struggle at times. Once we found our tempo, we managed to hurt them.”
Calabria wore the captain’s armband this evening and walked Milan out for their first ever competitive match at Anfield.
“It was the dream of every child, especially for me, to lead the team out in this theatre of football. It’s a pity about the result, but we hope to have more chances to prove ourselves this season.”