TIG Post

Tag: Milan

  • Spalletti regrets ‘inexperience’ after Milan hammer Napoli out quarter finals

    Spalletti regrets ‘inexperience’ after Milan hammer Napoli out quarter finals

    After Napoli’s Champions League elimination by AC Milan on Tuesday, Luciano Spalletti lamented their inexperience and physical difficulties.

    The quarterfinal second leg ended in a 1-1 stalemate in Naples, but Milan advanced 2-1 on the basis of a 1-0 victory in the first leg last week. Victor Osimhen’s late goal offset Olivier Giroud’s early goal.

    While quickly giving credit to a resolute Milan, Spalletti suggested that Napoli’s lack of experience and fitness issues after Osimhen missed the first leg due to injury were difficulties.

    The Napoli coach told Mediaset: “We congratulate Milan for this qualification, that must be done because they have played two games managing to capitalise to the maximum [on their opportunities].

    “This is a sign of a mature team, of players who know how to choose the moments: when to step on the accelerator and when you have to defend yourself with all the team.

    “But I also want to congratulate my players. We played a Champions League campaign of the highest level and we played a good match tonight as well.

    “We paid for a little inexperience in reading the moments of the match.

    “We played with different players with a little tiredness, starting with Osimhen who had not played for twenty days.”

    Napoli have failed to progress from four of their five Champions League knockout rounds, with their only success coming in the round-of-16 tie this season against Eintracht Frankfurt.

    Spalletti’s side are also without a win in their last three games in all competitions (D2 L1), having gone winless in just three of their 16 previous games (W13 D1 L2).

    A Scudetto will still likely follow with Napoli leading at the Serie A summit by 14 points, yet Spalletti acknowledged his side have slipped away after getting too comfortable following a March 19 victory at Torino.

    He added: “We weren’t good enough inside the penalty area to score, as they did the only time they came in.

    “We were in good condition, both mentally and physically [in the first half], then after the break we found players not in condition and forcing our press a few times.

    “The league win against Torino made us believe that the championship was a formality. During these two games, we did everything totally differently.”

    After seeing Frank Anguissa dismissed in the first leg, in which Ismael Bennacer’s strike proved the difference in a 1-0 win for Milan, Spalletti was left frustrated with referee Istvan Kovacs.

    Spalletti once again voiced his displeasure with the officiating, suggesting Szymon Marciniak should have awarded a first-half penalty for Rafael Leao’s sliding tackle on Hirving Lozano.

    “Tonight there’s a clear penalty on Lozano in the 37th minute, very clearly, his ankle just twists,” he continued. 

    “You can see it very well in the replays. You risk twisting his ankle. It’s a penalty you can’t miss.”

  • Pioli dissatisfied with Milan’s draw with Empoli

    Pioli dissatisfied with Milan’s draw with Empoli

    Stefano Pioli was disappointed with Milan’s 0-0 draw with Empoli because he thought it demonstrated a return to normalcy following their previous 4-0 victory over Serie A leaders Napoli.

    The Rossoneri missed the opportunity to secure their top-four position as Inter also drew at Salernitana due to the visitors’ goalless draw at San Siro on Friday.

    Last Sunday, Milan shocked the clear-cut title favourites Napoli 4-0 at home, but despite having 23 shots, only four of them were on goal, they were unable to score this time.

    Pioli felt his side did all they could, but also suggested their performance reflected an anticipated comedown of sorts.

    “It’s not the result we wanted,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We had to do better in the first half. We played with great intensity.

    “We conceded little to them, and in the second half, we did everything [we had to]. The ball just didn’t want to go in.

    “Goals are expected from the forwards if we create the chances. We needed to fill the area better. We lacked something to win.

    “It’s been a long time since we played with this level of energy and intensity, and I’m sorry. We wanted to win again after Napoli.

    “But in my opinion, we’re returning to the level [where we should be]. We need to improve our game, and we are doing that.”

    Milan face Napoli again next week, this time with the pair meeting for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at San Siro.

  • Pioli thrilled about Ibrahimovic and Maignan’s return

    Pioli thrilled about Ibrahimovic and Maignan’s return

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mike Maignan made their comebacks in Milan’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta on Sunday, and Stefano Pioli praised their performances.

    Ibrahimovic entered the game in the second half for the first time since May 2022, when he underwent knee surgery that many believed would put an end to his career.

    Meanwhile, goalkeeper Maignan made his first appearance in goal since suffering an injury of his own in September and celebrated his return with a shutout.

    Pioli is happy toe all of his players back, and the return of the pair comes at the perfect time for Milan, who have won four straight matches across all competitions.

    “Mike and Zlatan are not only two excellent players, but also two leaders of the team,” Pioli, who was taking charge of his 800th career game as a coach, told DAZN. 

    “Having them on the pitch helps us a lot. Now we must think about the next match. We will have players absent for that game but will still put in a good performance.”

    At 41 years and 146 days, Ibrahimovic overtook Alessandro Costacurta (41y, 25d) as Milan’s oldest player in Serie A in the three-points-per-win era (1993-94 season).

    The veteran striker only had 14 touches of the ball in his 16 minutes in action and did not manage a shot, but Milan’s second goal arrived with him on the field.

    Junior Messias clipped the ball over Juan Musso, who had earlier scored an unfortunate own goal when Theo Hernandez’s 25-yard volley hit the post and went in off his body.

    It was a brilliant strike from Hernandez after Olivier Giroud had nodded the ball into his path, and the wing-back believes he should be credited with the goal himself.

    “I consider it my goal,” he said. “I’m going to count it as mine. Thanks also to Oli for knocking it down for me. It was a good goal.

    “It’s true that we went through a difficult time, but with this victory, we are getting back to being the Milan we were before.”

    Milan have now won four games without conceding in all competitions for the first time since February 2018, with their latest victory moving them level with second-place Inter.

    The Rossoneri wasted a number of good chances with the game at 1-0, but Atalanta failed to offer any sort of attacking threat.

    Indeed, they had only three attempts all match – their lowest tally since April 2013 – and did not test the returning Maignan on a single occasion.

    “We gave our all and tried everything, but Milan were superior on the night and we must learn from these games to focus on the next one,” Gian Piero Gasperini said. 

    “What we saw tonight was that despite our best efforts, it is evident Milan simply had more than we did.”

    The only blemish for Milan is that Rafael Leao – who set up Messias’ goal – and Rade Krunic will miss next week’s trip to Fiorentina after being booked for the fifth time this term.

  • Ibrahimovic insists he is still a big shot for Milan

    Ibrahimovic insists he is still a big shot for Milan

    After making his comeback in Milan’s win over Atalanta following a nine-month injury layoff, Zlatan Ibrahimovic compared himself to basketball player Nikola Jokic.

    The dependable striker entered in the second half of Sunday’s 2-0 victory at San Siro after going unused in three previous games this month.

    At 41 years and 146 days, he broke the record for the oldest Serie A player for Milan during the three-points-per-win era (since 1993–94), Alessandro Costacurta (41y and 25d).

    Similar to Denver Nuggets’ two-time NBA MVP Jokic, the international player from Sweden believes he still has a significant role to play even though he will turn 42 later this year.

    “I want to help the team in every way by doing what I have to do to be there on the field,” he told Sky Sports. “I want to be there when the coach and the team need me.

    “It’s obvious things change between the age of 30 and 41, but I feel like Jokic in the NBA.”

    Ibrahimovic’s previous appearance for Milan came in a 3-0 win over Sassuolo on May 25 last year, with the former Barcelona striker injuring his knee and undergoing surgery.

    Given his age at the time of the operation and the length of the layoff, many expected Ibrahimovic to call time on his legendary career.

    “I’ve lived this year with great suffering,” he said when asked what it means to be back playing again at the highest level. “I’ve been out for a year. 

    “I didn’t feel well, and I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. I went on suffering to help the team, but in reality, I wasn’t well. 

    “Today I can say that I’m fine and that I can give what I can to the team. Then obviously the more you play, the more you train, and the more you improve.”

    Juan Musso’s own goal—after Theo Hernandez’s volley hit the post and went in off the goalkeeper’s back—and Junior Messias’ late strike earned Milan a fourth win in a row.

    That includes three Serie A wins on the spin without conceding for the first time in a year, helping to lift the Rossoneri level on points with second-place rivals Inter.

    It has been a largely disappointing campaign on the whole for Milan as they are 18 points adrift of leaders Napoli, something Ibrahimovic suggested may be down to his absence.

    “I’ve done everything I can to recover, but in the last few weeks I’ve seen the team do well,” he said. “We must continue doing more if we are to do well.

    “I feel important and have a great responsibility here. I started an adventure with this team and helped to bring it where we are today. 

    “When I’m not available, I suffer, and perhaps the team lacks a bit of my pressure as a result.”

  • Giroud says he plans to continue with France and Milan

    Giroud says he plans to continue with France and Milan

    Olivier Giroud intends to extend his contract with Milan, and he is also not yet prepared to end his international career with France.

    The 36-year-contract old’s with the Serie A team expires in June, and since Les Bleus were defeated by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, there have been concerns about his future with his country.

    Hugo Lloris and Karim Benzema have previously announced their retirement from the national team, but Benzema missed the game in Qatar due to injury.

    Giroud, who finished the tournament as France’s all-time leading scorer, has no intention of doing the same.

    “For the moment I continue with the national team. I was struck by the fact that Hugo has decided to leave, our relationship is special,” he told Canal Football Club.

    “Anything can happen, I have not withdrawn from the international stage and for this reason I remain callable.

    “I have to understand if I still want to wear the blue shirt, which means a lot to me, I want to take some time before deciding.”

    Giroud has faced similar questions around his club future, as his deal with Milan expires at the end of the season, but he is keen to continue at San Siro.

    “I want to renew with Milan, with the victory of the Scudetto I entered the hearts of the fans,” he added.

    “I’m talking to the club, if there is a chance to finish my career at a high level at Milan I will. I could choose an exotic destination; I’ve always liked MLS.”

    Milan sit second in Serie A, 12 points adrift of leaders Napoli, ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Lazio.

  • Baresi backs Milan to beat Spurs as they are ‘ripe to go far’ in Champions League

    Franco Baresi believes Milan are “ripe to go far” and must “think big” in the Champions League after they were drawn to face Tottenham in the round of 16.

    The Serie A champions on Monday discovered they will do battle with Antonio Conte’s side for a place in the quarter-finals next year.

    Milan qualified from Group E as runners-up last week by hammering Salzburg 4-0, while Spurs won 2-1 at Marseille to avoid an early exit.

    Rossoneri and Italy legend Baresi is bullish about the prospects of Stefano Pioli’s men. who have won five of their past six matches and are second in Serie A behind unbeaten Napoli.

    Milan’s honorary vice-president told Sky Sport: “Milan will prepare in the best possible way and will be ready to amaze again.

    “I think the team is ripe to go far. We respect Tottenham, they are special matches in the Champions League, but we have to think big.”

    The Rossoneri finished bottom of their Champions League group with just one win from six matches last season, but Baresi says they are a different proposition now.

    He added: “There is enthusiasm and the team is ripe for the knockout stages of the Champions League, last year’s experience was important and now there is a conviction that we can play against anyone. Conte will be attentive to everything but Milan are up to it.”

    Baresi feels Milan have all the ingredients to trouble the best sides in Europe.

    “Milan have risen to a level in general, we are producing incredible performances and the team plays football that they like and that creates [chances],” he said.

    “We have a very strong midfield and a defence that is not afraid. Up front we create a lot and the fact it is essential that the players participate. San Siro will be of great help.”

    Spurs beat Milan 1-0 at the same stage of Europe’s premier club competition 11 years ago, with Peter Crouch scoring the only goal at San Siro to secure a 1-0 aggregate win.

    The first leg will be played either in the week commencing February 15 or 21.

    Source: Livescore

  • Contract extension is a sign of Milan’s vision – Pioli

    Stefano Pioli wanted to share the credit around after signing a contract extension to keep him as Milan coach until the end of the 2024-25 season.

    Former Inter coach Pioli took over at Milan in 2019, and has overseen a rejuvenation in the Rossoneri’s fortunes.

    Having finished second in the 2020-21 campaign, Milan clinched their first Serie A title in 11 years last term.

    Milan, who sit third in Serie A 12 games into this season, are also on the verge of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign. They need only to avoid defeat against Salzburg on Wednesday to join Chelsea in progressing from Group E.

    When asked about signing his new deal in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Pioli said: “The credit belongs to everyone. The club is giving me great confidence.

    “I am very happy with the renewal. I thanked the players because without them this renewal would not have been possible.

    “We started our three-year journey, now we really care about passing [our objectives for] the season.

    “I really appreciated this. The club could have extended my contract by a year, but they did it with a longer time frame.

    “It is a sign of our vision, of our collaboration, to try to make Milan bigger and bigger. I really appreciated the renewal and I can only thank the owners. I have always felt appreciated.”

    The omens are promising for Milan, seven-time European champions, ahead of their meeting with Salzburg at San Siro, given they are unbeaten in all three of their previous encounters with the Austrian side.

    They do come into the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Torino in Serie A, however, though Pioli – whose side lost successive matches to Chelsea before bouncing back with a 4-0 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb – is confident Milan can get the job done.

    “We are a strong team, we have values and a lot of motivation,” he said. “We know the difficulties of the match. Salzburg have not lost away from home [in this season’s Champions League].

    “We have strong players and we play this match in front of our fans, I can tell you that we have all the right cards to do well.

    “Doing well would mean a lot, we had our first goal clearly in mind. We built this possibility, it was conceivable that if we hadn’t won a match with Chelsea the last one would have been decisive.

    “The team now knows how to manage these heavy commitments. We are disappointed, but now it’s another game.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Italy stabbing: One dead and Arsenal player Pablo MarĂ­ among several injured

    One person has died and at least five others have been injured – some seriously – in a stabbing in a supermarket near the Italian city of Milan, police have said.

    Local media reported that a 30-year-old supermarket cashier died after a man started attacking people in Assago.

    Among the injured was Pablo MarĂ­, a football player on loan from Arsenal.

    A 46-year-old suspect has been detained. Police have ruled out any terrorist motive.

    Reports say the attacker has had mental health problems and had grabbed the weapon from the supermarket shelves.

    The man started stabbing people at random at about 18:30 local time (16:30 GMT) at a Carrefour in a local shopping centre.

    Screams were reportedly heard inside the centre, as terrified visitors tried to flee in panic.

    The attacker is reported to have been detained by several customers and handed over to police who arrived at the scene.

    Spanish footballer Pablo MarĂ­. Photo: September 2022REUTERS
    Pablo MarĂ­ joined Monza on loan in August

    MarĂ­, a 29-year-old Spanish defender, suffered a stab wound to the back – but his injuries are not life-threatening. His agent, Arturo Canales, told the BBC that the star was conscious and no vital organs had been affected.

    Monza CEO Adriano Galliani told Sky Italia that MarĂ­ had been shopping with his wife and young son when the attack took place.

    “He had his son in a trolley and his wife next to him. He didn’t notice anything. He then felt something painful in his back, which was the criminal’s knife,” Mr Galliani said.

    “Unfortunately, he also saw the criminal stab someone in the throat. He saw everything that happened and it was deeply disturbing,” Galliani added.

    While the executive said the defender had suffered a “fairly deep wound on his back”, he said his life was not in danger and that he “should recover quickly”.

    MarĂ­ joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Flamengo in January 2020. He has only played 19 times for the Gunners and is currently on loan with top flight Italian club Monza.

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “I just found out. I know Edu [Arsenal technical director] has been in touch with his relatives. He’s in hospital but he seems to be okay.”

    Map
    Source: BBC

  • Ibrahimovic gave me balls I dreamed of at Milan – Boateng

    Kevin-Prince Boateng has hailed the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Milan, claiming the Swede gave him the “balls he dreamed of.”

    Ibrahimovic is at Milan for the second time after shining during the 2010-2011 Serie A-winning season alongside Boateng. Both men were summer recruits that year, and had a hand in a combined 31 top-flight goals.

    Boateng has advised Milan to keep hold of Ibra who is on a short-term contract.

    “Milan must keep him [Ibrahimovic], he knows how to make a difference,” the 33-year-old Ghana international told Sky Sports Italia. “It was easy for me to play with him, I understood it immediately. He asks a lot of his teammates, but he gave me a lot of space, he gave me balls that I dreamed of.

    “He was the perfect companion. He criticised everyone if he didn’t get the ball well or if you were wrong in front of the goal, but in doing so he was teaching.”

    Boateng himself, who is now at Besiktas, on loan from Fiorentina, had a second Milan spell between January and June 2016. He says he was convinced to return by long-time club president and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

    “Berlusconi convinced me at the exact moment he called my number,” the Berlin-born forward said. “The day after me and my agent went to him to Arcore, he asked me: ‘My son, why don’t you come back?’; I replied: “Right away” . He didn’t give a damn about the holidays.”

    AC Milan have experienced a dry patch since their Serie A triumph nine years ago, changing managers regularly with consistently inconsistent results. Boateng, however, sees former Schalke boss Ralf Rangnick as an ideal coach for the Rossoneri.

    “He [Rangnick] can help a lot, he looks at football and beyond,” Boateng said. “He is a very intelligent person who evaluates many details. What he has built proves it. He knows how to talk to the players and this is his key.”

    AC Milan are currently seventh in Serie A, 12 points away from the top four, and three points adrift of the final Europa League qualification spot.

    Source: goal.com