Pioli praises Milan's inflexible attitude
Milan's unyielding attitude was key to victory as Sandro Tonali's late goal handed the defending champions a 2-1 away win against Hellas Verona in Serie A.
That's the opinion of head coach Stefano Pioli, whose side took the lead within nine minutes when Rafael Leao's cross was fed into his own net by Miguel Veloso, but Verona were tied shortly after when Koray Gunter's shot deflected off Matteo Gabbia.
With time running out, it looked like Milan would take just one point from the game, until Tonali came home to secure a fourth straight league win for Pioli's side at eight minutes from the end.
Milan move up to third in Serie A, remaining crucial just three points behind first-place leaders Napoli as they seek to clinch a second straight league title.
"[It was] a tough game, we started well," said Pioli.
"Then we made a few too many mistakes, conceding too many chances. But as usual, the team were able to put up with it and our qualities helped us win the match."
When asked how positive he feels for his team ahead of a busy spell, Pioli replied: "We managed for the first time to win three games in a row in this league.
"We are growing, maybe I could have changed something more at the beginning, but we know how important this phase of the season is, and starting with a victory is the best way to face this period .
"They induced mistakes with pressure, we made mistakes.
"But winning those tough games means that we grow mentally and in consciousness, and that we never give up. It's a quality that my team has in them and knows how to bring out in the important moments.”
Sunday's victory follows a 2-0 loss to Chelsea in midweek in the Champions League, and Pioli admitted his side may have suffered from fatigue despite the win over Verona.
"I know we can play better," added Pioli. "But the boys know it too.
"Character growth is important and allows us to overcome difficult obstacles like these.
"We hope to be able to recover some energy and even some players, an important period of competition awaits us. I'm not saying that they will be decisive for the whole season, but we are close."
Milan's unyielding attitude was key to victory as Sandro Tonali's late goal handed the defending champions a 2-1 away win against Hellas Verona in Serie A.
That's the opinion of head coach Stefano Pioli, whose side took the lead within nine minutes when Rafael Leao's cross was fed into his own net by Miguel Veloso, but Verona were tied shortly after when Koray Gunter's shot deflected off Matteo Gabbia.
With time running out, it looked like Milan would take just one point from the game, until Tonali came home to secure a fourth straight league win for Pioli's side at eight minutes from the end.
Milan move up to third in Serie A, remaining crucial just three points behind first-place leaders Napoli as they seek to clinch a second straight league title.
"[It was] a tough game, we started well," said Pioli.
"Then we made a few too many mistakes, conceding too many chances. But as usual, the team were able to put up with it and our qualities helped us win the match."
When asked how positive he feels for his team ahead of a busy spell, Pioli replied: "We managed for the first time to win three games in a row in this league.
"We are growing, maybe I could have changed something more at the beginning, but we know how important this phase of the season is, and starting with a victory is the best way to face this period .
"They induced mistakes with pressure, we made mistakes.
"But winning those tough games means that we grow mentally and in consciousness, and that we never give up. It's a quality that my team has in them and knows how to bring out in the important moments.”
Sunday's victory follows a 2-0 loss to Chelsea in midweek in the Champions League, and Pioli admitted his side may have suffered from fatigue despite the win over Verona.
"I know we can play better," added Pioli. "But the boys know it too.
"Character growth is important and allows us to overcome difficult obstacles like these.
"We hope to be able to recover some energy and even some players, an important period of competition awaits us. I'm not saying that they will be decisive for the whole season, but we are close."
What's Your Reaction?
