Stefano Pioli praises Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria for their ability to ‘chase the spaces’ and warns ‘four sides can still win the Scudetto.’
It was decided by a stunning Ismael Bennacer volley from the edge of the area.
Franck Kessie hit the upright in the first half and Leonardo Pavoletti was denied by the crossbar in the final minute.
Serie A | Cagliari 0-1 Milan: Bennacer and crossbar decisive in Sardinia
This result means the Rossoneri have earned 10 more points than Inter in the last seven rounds, remaining three points clear at the top of Napoli.
“Every game is an important crossroads now. I liked the team, even when we didn’t score in the first half, as we played with quality and intensity,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“Cagliari caused us problems, but that’s inevitable when you have two teams with such strong motivation.”
It was a third consecutive 1-0 result for Milan, so is this the key to becoming champions?
“We would like to score more and went close again several times today, but the important thing is to win.
“We’re doing great things, but we also know there are four sides that could still win the Scudetto. There’s no point looking too far ahead, there’s a long way to go and we need to concentrate only on our own path.”
Pioli was asked about Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria being full-backs who tend to cut inside and take part in scoring opportunities.
“I am fortunate to have two players who are very intelligent and can read the spaces. Cagliari were very aggressive on the wings today, so we had more space on the inside and they chased the spaces. It all becomes easier when you have smart players who can read the game so well.
“What we were lacking in previous games was we would score and then try to control that lead, which really isn’t in our nature. I was glad today that we took the lead and kept trying to score more, that is the attitude we need.
“We analysed recent matches and realised that was compromising our results. If we attack well, we defend even better. We are simply not suited to defending deep.”
Pioli also confirmed the brawl at the final whistle was sparked by racist abuse towards goalkeeper Mike Maignan from the Cagliari ultras.
“Mike told me there was racist abuse from behind the goal. It’s always sad when these things happen, nobody deserves that.”
Wonderful volley!! 😍
Ismaël Bennacer with a sublime effort to give Milan the lead in a huge game for the title standings!
Excellent finish 👏 pic.twitter.com/fwbgBX7ein
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 19, 2022
He’s right, though it’ll be tough for Juve now.
They’re pretty average, and their only hope is that the 3 above them are average too.
Inter are in real trouble, with only 3 league wins from 10 in 2022.
“We analysed recent matches and realised that was compromising our results. If we attack well, we defend even better. We are simply not suited to defending deep.”
Yes! That’s very much true. Milan must not defend deep unless forced to, as it doesn’t suit us at all. We should always keep this smaller sides at the back foot.