Ivan Juric maintains Torino ‘played on the same level’ as Milan throughout their Coppa Italia victory, even down to 10 men, but is not happy with the Koffi Djidji dismissal.
The Granata were the underdogs going into San Siro and the situation became even more difficult when Koffi Djidji saw red for a second bookable offence on 69 minutes.
However, they held out with Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saves and caught the Rossoneri out on the counter-attack with Sasa Lukic sending Brian Bayeye down the right, rolling across for fellow substitute Michel Adopo to sweep home.
“We are all very happy, it’s a wonderful night for the President, the fans and everyone. We were on level terms with Milan when it was 11 against 11, then after going down to 10 men we stayed organised and focused.
“The goal was created by two lads who were on loan in Serie C, so it’s a great story for them,” Juric told Sport Mediaset.
“Up until the red card, Toro created chances, played at the same level as Milan and in my view had a great game. At the time, I thought Djidji got the ball, seeing it again I still think he got the ball.”
It is the second time this season that Torino have beaten the Scudetto holders, emerging with a 2-1 home victory in Serie A in October.
It’s the first time since 1985 that Toro have been able to beat Milan twice in one season, while they hadn’t done so in two different tournaments since 1969.
“We moved the ball well against some strong defenders like Kalulu, Tomori and Gabbia too, so it wasn’t easy. It is true we could’ve done something more in the final third, but I think we overall responded well to a side that was very aggressive.”
This result means Torino are in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia, where they will face either Fiorentina or Sampdoria.