Stefano Pioli, the Rossoneri coach, expressed himself to DAZN after the Lazio-Milan match:
"It was a rough match. In the first half, we lacked rhythm; we needed more speed in ball circulation and more depth. It was a balanced game, with few chances. In the second half, we started better and exploited Lazio's mistakes."
What did Maurizio Sarri say about Luca Pellegrini's expulsion?
"He said, 'The ball was about to go out.' But the referee didn't blow the whistle. Pulisic is a fair player; he made his move. I don't see why we should have kicked the ball out; if that was their intention, they should have done it themselves."
Any tactical comment?
"We had prepared for our midfielders to move a bit more towards the wings to gain numerical superiority: on the right, we did it well, but on the left, Loftus-Cheek stayed a bit too much inside the field. Then, playing 10 vs 11, it was right to add another striker."
You didn't concede goals away from home again...
"Not conceding goals was important for us, especially after conceding too many in the last away matches, although not conceding too much. We have the qualities to score; we have quality in the starters and in those who come off the bench. When substitutes are ready, the coach is satisfied. It's thanks to the professionalism of these guys and their desire to do well."
How was Leao?
"Yes, but we found him few times... Theo could have served him more in the first half, but he was always ready when needed."
Is Europa League the objective?
"Our objective is to confirm or improve our third position in the standings: today's victory could widen the gap, then we'll try to catch up with Juventus. Great focus for Slavia Praga, which is a good team. The Europa League is our objective."
Gerry Cardinale said he was not satisfied... What do you think?
"I'm living the situation with great focus on what we're doing to try to make this season positive; we're focused on doing our best. I've never commented on the words of the ownership: as such, the ownership has the right and the duty to make their evaluations."
Do these victories make the team even more united?
"There has never been a lack of attitude, distrust, or jealousy within the group: this is a great group. If we lose matches, it won't be due to lack of unity or harmony within the group."
How do you see Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
"It's strange now with Zlatan. He was my player and a teammate until recently. He's embracing his new role with great passion and competence, and we're pleased to have him close to us."
