Sandro Tonali insists Milan ‘knew exactly what Tottenham were going to do’ and were able to neutralise their attacks effectively in the Champions League, but also has his say on that Cristian Romero tackle.
The Rossoneri broke the deadlock early on when Theo Hernandez won a header from Romero and forced the Fraser Forster save, then Brahim Diaz managed to bundle over the line at the third time of asking.
It was the Italians who had the most clear-cut chances to add to their tally at San Siro, with Charles De Ketelaere and Malick Thiaw free headers off target.
There was also controversy, as straight after half-time Romero was very fortunate not to receive a red card for his studs-up tackle on Tonali’s ankle.
“The ankle was already strapped even before the foul, but I am fine, I’m used to getting knocks,” Tonali assured Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset.
“This was the intensity and the level I expected us to play at. There might be errors, but the intensity and our values needed to be put onto the pitch. We all gave 100 per cent and we’re happy, even if we could’ve done more late on. Winning in the Champions League is always a boost.”
It seems to end a run of disastrous results for the Diavolo, including a Coppa Italia exit and 3-0 defeat to Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana.
“There are some regrets, but the past is in the past, we can only look forward. We are Milan and on to the next match.”
Stefano Pioli took a huge risk and was criticised, but the three-man defence does now seem to be giving Milan more solidity with back-to-back 1-0 wins over Torino and Tottenham.
“It is important to keep clean sheets and also not allow so many shots on goal. There are different movements with this system, but knowing you always have an extra man in defence does help the team to push forward under pressure, there is that extra sense of security.”
Simon Kjaer was involved in a match-long tussle with Harry Kane and Tonali reveals that was part of the plan to neutralise Spurs.
“Kane was the first problem to face on every Tottenham move. It was important to block him off and then press the others. We were ready for a lot of their moves and did what we prepared in training. We knew exactly what they were going to do.”