Delio Rossi admits Palermo feel “some regrets” at only drawing 2-2 with Milan at San Siro in their Coppa Italia clash.
The Sicilians fought back from an early Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal to go 2-1 up in the semi-final first leg, but were caught by the late Urby Emanuelson equaliser.
“We faced a great side that is high on confidence at the moment. To be honest, there are some regrets, as with a little more concentration and cynicism we could've emerged with a win.
Delio Rossi admits Palermo feel “some regrets” at only drawing 2-2 with Milan at San Siro in their Coppa Italia clash.
The Sicilians fought back from an early Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal to go 2-1 up in the semi-final first leg, but were caught by the late Urby Emanuelson equaliser.
“We faced a great side that is high on confidence at the moment. To be honest, there are some regrets, as with a little more concentration and cynicism we could've emerged with a win.
“Nonetheless, I am very happy with the performance from my team this evening. You need a performance like that to get anything off Milan nowadays.
“We also fought back against Roma. The team was organised and did what we had practiced in training.
“Just look at our recent results and we keep conceding goals when the team gets distracted. I shout from the touchline to keep them concentrated, but it doesn't always work.”
The two away goals and Palermo's generally strong record against the Rossoneri makes them favourites to reach the Coppa Italia Final.
“If Palermo play against Milan and we are the favourites, then something is wrong. It will take an even better performance in the second leg on May 10 to see us through to the Final.”
Fabrizio Miccoli was surprisingly left on the bench for this match, as Javier Pastore, Mauricio Pinilla and Abel Hernandez were preferred.
“I have a group of players and make my decisions. Fabrizio is a fantastic player, but he tends to excel in the final third, so I wanted someone with a stronger work-rate in this game,” continued Rossi.
“If we don't play positive football, then we struggle, as those are the only characteristics we have. They have immense talent, but do occasionally get distracted and that's not acceptable at this level.
“If you play with two attacking full-backs and three forwards, it's only natural you'll risk something in defence.”
Pastore had the chance to make it 3-1 on the counter, but fired straight at Marco Amelia.
“Amelia did very well. It's a shame, as Flaco had a great game and is capable of going past the goalkeeper in these situations. San Siro doesn't agree with him, as he missed a penalty here against Inter.”
Rossi was fired and re-hired in the space of 35 days by Palermo, but will not comment on his future.
“The club makes plans, not the Coach, so you'd have to ask the club. Would I like to stay at Palermo? This is not the time to talk about it.”