Stefano Pioli identifies the key to Milan’s late win over Fiorentina and Scudetto push. ‘The belief starts from the top and filters down.’
The Rossoneri left it late at a sold out San Siro, but Rafael Leao pounced on a poor Pietro Terracciano pass out from the back to fire in at the near post and secure three precious points.
That now means Milan have a five-point lead at the top of the table, awaiting Inter’s visit to Udinese this evening.
They also have the advantage in the head-to-head record, meaning if they finish level at the top, Milan will win the title.
“The team played well, fought hard against a side that created problems for us. Fiorentina were dangerous, but we have taken another step forward for us and our fantastic fans,” Pioli told DAZN.
“The goal felt like a weight off our shoulders. We again had so many chances, the right mentality and continued working as a team. There is always going to be tension in matches like this, as we are challenging for a very important target, so we all feel that energy and it becomes more difficult to sustain the longer it goes on.
“Despite the fact these players are very young, they are doing so well and maintain that confidence, the belief in themselves and ability to suffer under pressure.”
The coach insists he does not deserve all the credit for the vastly improved mentality at Milan over the last two seasons.
“I think it starts from the top and filters down, because those who run the club have faith and support our directors, the directors believe in my work, so consequently I believe in my work and my players. We are all positive even during difficult moments and we never stop believing in our capabilities.
“Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are so supportive, they are always close by at the training ground. We all know how things go in football, the players feel if the coach trusts them and the same goes for the coach with directors.”
The Scudetto remains their target, although Pioli again tries to calm the tension around the squad.
“We are five points better off than at this stage last season, so improving on that was our objective, to get more points than last year. Then we’ll see where we are, one game at a time.”
After the last-gasp win over Lazio, this was another match where Milan left it late to snatch victory.
“I think it’s also because we have players who come off the bench and are fired up, want to help the team and give their all,” argued Pioli.
“I can see constant progress in my team, it’s the first time many of them have challenged for such a prestigious trophy. I hope my players and I can continue that growth process, but for some it might be the only time we’re in this position. That’s why we must give our all to the very end.
“We have to prove ourselves on the pitch, because whoever wins will in the end have done a little bit more than the other teams.”