Stefano Pioli maintains Milan “could’ve won” their 1-1 draw with Napoli. “I liked the performances recently and we only narrowly missed out on the result.”
Jack Bonventura cancelled out a Hirving Lozano opener at San Siro, which at least ended a run of two consecutive defeats.
Stefano Pioli maintains Milan “could’ve won” their 1-1 draw with Napoli. “I liked the performances recently and we only narrowly missed out on the result.”
Jack Bonventura cancelled out a Hirving Lozano opener at San Siro, which at least ended a run of two consecutive defeats.
“I was sure we’d put in the right performance. We fought against a very strong team, even when missing some important players, but those who stepped in did very well,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“I wish we’d have scored another goal, because we had the chances and were just centimetres away from getting the victory.
“Over the last two weeks, the team has been training with a great attitude and focus, well aware of the situation we are currently in. Of course, it takes time to do some work and we’ve been together for 45 days, albeit with two breaks for international duty.
“I liked the performances recently and we only narrowly missed out on the full result. We’re starting to play like a team now.”
Krzysztof Piatek missed some good opportunities today and was jeered off the pitch by the San Siro crowd.
“He worked hard for the team today and had his chances. The important thing is to keep creating scoring opportunities. We know that with strikers, they go through these periods when it doesn’t go in. He needs to react, believe in himself and fight a bit harder, but I am satisfied with the work he is doing.
“Ultimately, the draw is the right result, but we could’ve won it.”
Pioli replaced Marco Giampaolo on October 9 and has overseen one win over SPAL, two draws and three defeats.
“If we consider when I started the season, we’d technically now be in mid-August and in those circumstances, I would be very happy with these performances.
“Unfortunately, we’re not in mid-August and the fixture list didn’t help, as we faced four or five of the best teams in Serie A. We were only outplayed against Roma, but otherwise we had our say and I hope those performances boost our self-belief.”
The return of Bonaventura after practically a year out, and it was his first goal since October 2018, has given Milan a different dimension.
“Bonaventura is an intelligent player who knows when to wait, when to attack, when to start the run. We need more players with his experience and tactical nous, so now we just hope he can maintain his fitness levels.”
Pioli was asked if an ideal addition to the squad with both experience and finishing skills might be Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Good evening…”