Stefano Pioli reveals Olivier Giroud’s volley reminded him of a Francesco Totti goal and that he ‘knew’ Daniel Maldini would score against Milan, but they made it tougher than it should’ve been with Spezia.

The Rossoneri had taken the lead through Theo Hernandez, only for Daniel Maldini – the son of technical director and club legend Paolo – to draw Spezia level.

Sandro Tonali also saw a scorcher disallowed for an earlier Fikayo Tomori foul in the build-up, until Giroud’s acrobatic last-minute volley at the back post.

“It’s a great Tonali ball, an even greater goal from Oli. It did remind me of the Francesco Totti one, which Roma scored against my Lazio. We were 2-0 up and it ended 2-2, that’s what came to mind,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.

“I knew that Maldini was going to play and I had the sensation he was going to score too. You can just feel these things. I think it was ultimately the perfect night for Paolo Maldini, because his son scored and Milan still won.

“We should’ve finished the game in the first half, it is possible to concede a goal, but what we must not do is stop playing and lose our heads like that. We got the win eventually, it’s an important result and a hard-fought one.”

Napoli won 2-1 away to Atalanta, so this win allows the Rossoneri to leapfrog La Dea into second place, six points off the leaders.

“We know that we want to have a good position by November 13, but if Napoli keep winning, then naturally they are the favourites. We just have to focus on ourselves and tonight we had the chances to kill the game off a lot earlier.

“It is in our characteristics to believe in ourselves and keep pushing to the end. I don’t think anyone can doubt that about Milan.”

Giroud was already on a yellow card when he scored the winner and whipped off his shirt to celebrate, so was sent off and will be suspended for the midweek game with Cremonese.

“My first video call with Giroud was a very positive sensation, and all those were confirmed in working with him. He’s very happy with us too. Considering his age, it was a naïve mistake!”

After the 2-1 defeat to Torino last weekend, Milan’s notoriously solid defence seems to be a lot leakier than it was on the way towards the Scudetto.

“We again conceded a goal this evening when we had everyone back in position, so we need to be more careful and pay more attention. If you look at the statistics, we have allowed fewer clear-cut chances than last season, but conceded more goals.”

Charles De Ketelaere again came off the bench without making much of an impact, so is the problem that the Belgian is too timid?

“I predict more highs and lows, which is to be expected for a player who changed club, system and training methods. Charles has talent and is working hard, so his moment will certainly come, I just can’t predict exactly when that is.”

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