Stefano Pioli's AC Milan had a great chance to secure three important points at the Maradona stadium against Napoli. However, they were unable to keep the 2-0 advantage from the first half and conceded two goals. The Rossoneri coach, after the end of the match, spoke to DAZN microphones and said these words:
"If we had lost this match, we would have had to talk about an unlucky moment. The mistake was conceding the first goal: we let back in an opponent we had closed down well. For what we created today, two goals are too few. It's a shame because the performance was there. Leaving with only one point is disappointing."
On the reactions of Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud:
"I saw that we needed fresh energy and it was the third game of the week. I brought in two players who then did well. Leao asks for explanations, as is right, and I will give them to him."
On the disappointment of the result, Pioli said:
"The bitterness remains. When you go ahead by a double advantage, you have to secure the match. We shouldn't have conceded that situation. But we didn't stop playing in the second half and we had our chances, just like Napoli did."
On Rafael Leao's position in the first half, Pioli said:
"When Oli set the right pressing tempo, Rafa or Christian (Pulisic) had to tighten on the second central defender on the other side. We had a defensive phase with compactness and aggressiveness, giving just enough to a team with so much quality."
On effectiveness:
"I hope it's just a momentary issue. Sometimes you shoot badly and still score... What matters is creating so much and playing such a proactive game. We managed to build better from the back. We have to keep going to grow and improve to be competitive in the league and Champions League."
On the future and goals, Pioli offered this comment:
"The fate of a coach is always in the hands of a club and it's normal that we have the ambition to win. It's right to think that. We know there are three or four other teams that can win it. I've learned not to dwell too much on what happened yesterday and not to look too far ahead, continuing to work day by day. Winning the league would be extraordinary, but not because we're not on the level of the big teams. To win, you need discipline and quality."
On the injured players:
"This is the painful note. Kalulu shouldn't have played if Kjaer was fine: it's unclear if it was a bruise or if he felt his quadriceps. Pulisic was fatigued in the flexor and it was pointless to risk him. Pellegrino had a very bad ankle sprain and couldn't run."
