Stefano Pioli insists Juventus are still in the Scudetto race along with Atalanta, because Milan saw at this stage of the season ‘you need to really put the effort in’ to beat any opponent.
The Rossoneri have struggled more with smaller clubs than the giants this season and it was far from simple to get the better of Empoli at San Siro.
A Pierre Kalulu strike proved enough, though Mike Maignan had to make saves on Sebastiano Luperto and Nedim Bajrami.
Serie A | Milan 1-0 Empoli: Kalulu enough to consolidate top spot
“We have to always consider the next match to be the most important. We are up there and have to keep taking it one game at a time,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“The table looks nice, but it’s virtual, because there are games in hand. I think it would be fair if everyone had played the same number of matches, but that is out of our control.
“We did well this evening, controlled the game and didn’t run many risks. Empoli caused us a few problems with their passing and we made mistakes playing out from the back, but we did well defensively.
“We need to be tighter between the lines, so we are ready to break in, steal the ball back and go on the attack immediately.
“At the start of the second half, we felt a bit sluggish and the lack of movement meant we couldn’t find those passing options. We didn’t dominate the match tonight, but we certainly controlled it.
“Of course, killing off the game earlier is the ideal, but at this stage of the season everyone has a target and you need to really put the effort in to win.”
Pioli was asked when he will finally say the word ‘Scudetto’ out loud as Milan’s target?
“Before the final round of the season, if we are four points clear…”
Would he settle for second place at this point of the campaign?
“I want my lads to keep giving their all and we saw tonight how difficult it is to win, so we are already thinking of how difficult it will be in Cagliari.
“We mustn’t look too far ahead or too far behind us.”
Juventus won 3-1 away to Sampdoria this evening, so are they still in the Scudetto race?
“They are definitely in it,” replied Pioli. “There are 27 points up for grabs, they are on an incredible run of positive results. I would keep all the top five in the race.”
Pierre Kalulu’s 19th-minute strike was enough to seal a 1-0 win for Milan over Empoli 💪
Five points clear, pressure now on Inter who play their game in hand tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/U8eEcl01RX
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 12, 2022
pioli we need goals, a lot of goals, every game. your style of football is to be ashamed. we need attcking presuure football, put pressure on the opponents half. play with 2 strikers and a trequarista. Pioli you are just afraid to play attacking football. Pioli you should be a shamed of your way of football.