Stefano Pioli explains how Milan ‘surprised’ Inter with their ferocity in the duels, why Rafael Leao can still improve his potential and Mike Maignan is a guarantee in goal.
Just like last season’s potentially decisive showdown, the Rossoneri had to come back from a goal down to turn the Derby della Madonnina around with Olivier Giroud on target.
The difference from that 2-1 win is that Rafael Leao was the hero with a brace and Edin Dzeko allowed Inter to leave it open to the last second, with Mike Maignan needing a sensational save on Hakan Calhanoglu.
The squad celebrated at the final whistle with their fans in a resounding chant of ‘Pioli’s On Fire.’
“Clearly, this was a head-to-head clash, there has always been rivalry, our opponents wanted to prove they were superior for many reasons,” the coach told DAZN.
“I am very satisfied with the attitude of the team, we dominated for 70 minutes, but once we relaxed a little, we started to run risks.
“These lads continue to amaze me with their desire, energy, talent and eagerness to learn. I am truly a happy coach.”
Milan seemed to be playing in a completely different gear to Inter for at least an hour, but following the substitutions from both sides and the Dzeko goal, it shifted.
“Inter let us pass it around, we didn’t have to press them too hard. We had aimed to break more down the left, at times we did well, but above all the team showed great maturity against a very strong opponent. It’s not possible to dominate for 95 minutes, but we showed great determination and presence.
“We realised every ball could be decisive and faced this game with the right attitude.”
The Rossoneri won the Scudetto last season and remain a very young squad overall, but will start their Champions League campaign next week.
“I am sure we have really matured, also helped by the experience in the Champions League in a very difficult group last season. We were concentrated exclusively on the derby, but I know RB Salzburg are very difficult, they have a lot of intensity and tempo in attack, so we must be prepared.
“We’ll do different things, as Inter have a completely different approach to their tactics and shape, but what really matters is the mentality of my team. We try to find situations that can create a slight advantage, but our identity remains the same.
“I think Inter expected us to press them a lot higher than we did, but we surprised them. I knew they would play two quick strikers and so with their qualities, we preferred to sit a little bit deeper, but then put even more energy and ferocity into the individual duels.”
Leao was hot property on the transfer market this summer, with Chelsea reportedly offering as much as €100m for the winger, but he is nowhere near the finished article.
“In order to improve, you need talent and intelligence, so Leao has both of those. We gave him the time and freedom to make mistakes so he could learn.
“Naturally, every time we put him in one-on-one situations, he’s an important weapon in our armoury. Rafa has a body language that might confuse people, but I can assure you he knows what potential he has and is very eager to learn.”
Maignan was again extraordinary in goal with a decisive one-handed save to claw the Calhanoglu strike out of the near top corner.
“The team surprises me, but Mike no longer does. He’s incredible, as a person and a goalkeeper. If we did so well last season, it’s because we have players of a high level and Mike is one of them.”
Inter were allowed back into the game when Charles went off. We should’ve scored so many more goals. Suffered for 10 or so minutes as it is natural in a derby, but 100% the better team. Top players rise to difficult moments and we got those in maignan, tonali, and Leao.
Inter should at least scored 1-2 more but Maignan was great. Inter deffence was realy bad. Milan lucky as ussual but it will come to end soon or later.
Remarkable performance from Milan given they still have many trash players ranging from Calabria who gets beaten all the time with no effort, Messias, Diaz, Origi and Alexis. If Inter had a better coach it would be lights out. Take nothing away Milan deserved it and Leao is a beast.
Zizou
‘Milan lucky’ 😂😂😂😂😂
Mike is the unsung hero in many games. He’s magical. We are so lucky to have him.
@Kieran And inter is full of greats?! darmian, di Marco, correa, gagliardini, handanovic, kebab boy. Long ball team, relying on physical presence.
@Tony don’t you ever forget lord D’ambrossio
Maignan was man of the match for me, as good as Leao was. Diaz was great too when he came on for CDK, tracked back, broke up attacks, I’d play him on the RW and see how he does there. He has the engine and the skill, plus he’s better than Messias or Saelemaekers.