Stefano Pioli, the AC Milan coach, spoke to DAZN after the Spezia-Milan match: "A game we've already seen? We lacked continuity during the game, we needed more rhythm and speed. It was a balanced match, decent first half, then in the second half after the goal we fell apart. It was a performance that was not up to our abilities."
Can you overturn the game against Inter next week?
"We're playing a game that can make history, we have to believe we can beat Inter if we play our football at a level of attention, energy, and quality. In the last two games, we haven't been up to par: we can play much better."
Did the Champions League affect you?
"It's normal that we have the Champions League in our heads and it's normal to be disappointed with the first leg, but we knew how important today's match was. This match complicates our future in the league, so it means we have to play a great game on Tuesday. We don't have many chances to make this season positive... We have to believe we have the ability to beat Inter."
What did the fans tell you? Pioli said:
"They motivated us to give our all."
Do you regret not having arrived well at this point in the season?
"Four days before the first leg, we played one of our best games against Lazio, then the first 20 minutes of the derby changed things for us. We know we have to play a similar game to the second half."
How are Rafael Leao and the other injured players doing?
"Today, those who were not able to play stayed at home, but they could be back on Tuesday, and we're doing everything we can to recover them. Even today's substitutions were in that direction. If I call up Leao, will he start? Yes, I think so", as relayed via Milannews.it.
