Lorenzo Bettoni at the Stadio Meazza brings you the takeaways from Stefano Pioli and Marco Domenichini’s post-match press conferences following Milan–Napoli.
Football Italia was among the accredited media at San Siro tonight. Napoli secured a 2-1 win, joining Atalanta at the top of the table with 17 points.
It all happened in the second half when Matteo Politano broke the deadlock from the spot, Olivier Giroud scored the equaliser but Giovanni Simeone eventually gave Napoli all three points with a header at the far post.
Pioli refused to blame his players, including Sergiño Dest, who caused a penalty kick after replacing Davide Calabria.
“Napoli scored four goals against Liverpool, we could not think of not conceding any shot against them. They only had four shots on target,” the Milan coach said at a post-match press conference.
“We expected this from them. They have three strong midfielders. They have strong wingers, we knew their qualities. But we also proved to be a good team. Unfortunately, we are not lucky against Napoli at San Siro.”
Pioli looked quite frustrated despite a good performance from the Rossoneri.
“I’d like to say it was the best performance, but we lost, so we must aim to do even more,” he said.
“The fans are amazing. They know how to recognise what we give. Honestly, I know I am coaching a great team. I think we played better than Napoli, but we must be angry and unhappy because we didn’t get a result. We are Milan and we should always play like this.”
Napoli assistant Marco Domenichini replaced the suspended Luciano Spalletti and met the media after the match.
“It’s an important win. We suffered, especially in the first half when we didn’t do well enough, then we managed to go wide finding more space,” he said.
“The team suffered but proved personality and unity. These players deserve this win,” he continued.
“Incidents decide results, perhaps a draw was the right result, but we proved character and determination. We take this win and we are happy. There are things to improve, but I think we were good tonight.
“Napoli must work hard in every game to do well, we must improve, I don’t know where we can get, we’ll give our best to reach the best possible target.”
Politano was subbed off in the second half but is still expected to join Italy at Coverciano tomorrow.
“I think he picked up a knock. I didn’t talk to the doctor, I think he can join the national team. He deserves it because he is doing well. We are happy with him.
Rubbish penalty, he got the ball.
ermm no he didnt mate
@Sid you obviously did not see the VAR then! Kicked the right foot and never touched the ball.
Wasn’t close to the ball. Milan bunch of whiners & cry babies.