Stefano Pioli, the AC Milan coach, expressed himself on DAZN after the Bologna-Milan match:
"We played the whole game. Of course, we shouldn't have started like that... We shouldn't be conceding a goal like that at our level. Then we controlled the game, but we weren't precise and concrete enough in converting the chances we created. It's clear that we can't be satisfied. Losing this opportunity in the league is disappointing."
Pioli, visibly angry, also commented on the penalties not given to Milan:
"Incidents can determine the final result... There were two penalties. Honestly, the dynamics of the handball foul tell you that it's a handball foul; you blow the whistle and then you go to the VAR. For me, it was a penalty: then if the VAR corrects it, it corrects it. But it was a penalty. It's disappointing."
Pioli on his team:
"We should have played with more possession, but we developed many situations well. The final spark was missing. We put ourselves in difficulty with the goal conceded at the beginning."
Are you thinking of something different for Napoli?
"Something might be going through our minds... They did the same things with the ball as in the first two games, but different without the ball. We have a slight advantage. If they attack us more, we may take different positions. Then we'll see. It was a very balanced, very difficult game. We expect many difficulties, but we expect to have the solutions to create difficulties for Napoli."
When did you think about all the changes today?
"The coach has to evaluate many solutions. This year, we paid for the double commitments. So playing three games in 6 days is difficult, especially in the Champions League and against a Bologna that was in good form... I chose to play those who had more physical and mental energy. I have a strong group at my disposal, tomorrow I'll only show them the first 30 seconds."
Is Wednesday's match the most important of your career? Pioli declared the following:
"You've always asked me the same question... It's the most important for our team's work. Milan's history is glorious, but ours is a different journey at a different time. It would be extraordinary for us to even progress past this round in the Champions League. We need to do something exceptional and extraordinary."
