3 days ago
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Massimiliano Allegri adopted a glass half full approach after AC Milan were beaten in the Coppa Italia by Lazio.
Milan’s Coppa Italia drought will continue for another season and will hit 23 years (by the final next May) after they were beaten 1-0 by Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. The only goal of the game came 10 minutes from time as Mattia Zaccagni rose to head in a corner unopposed.
The Rossoneri had produced the better of the chances up until that point, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Rafael Leao spurning opportunities. The cup curse in the capital continues though after the defeat in the final to Bologna a few months ago, and Lazio get some revenge for the league loss.
Allegri’s reaction
Allegri spoke to SportMediaset after the full-time whistle to give his assessments on what was a bitter night for his side, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Did Lazio want the victory more?
“The winner is always right. Lazio won a match in which they had more difficulties than on Saturday. It was a stalemated game, and whoever scored first won: we had a chance and didn’t score, then we didn’t defend well on the corner
“Jashari had a good game after a long time, Ricci had a good game. It’s disappointing to be eliminated because we were keen, but now we have to put everything aside and focus on Torino.”
Is it a step backwards?
“No. We should be angry: when we lose and are eliminated, we should be disappointed. On the other hand, we have to look ahead; there’s Torino and Sassuolo before the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia.”
What do you complain about more: missed chances or goals conceded?
“We could have defended better on the goal. We were in control of the game and missed three or four easy chances: we gave away a free-kick, a corner, and then conceded. It happened against Cremonese and Pisa: it becomes dangerous and we need to improve…”
What do you ask of Leao as a striker?
“He had a good chance again tonight, he moved well in and around the box: when he’s not there, he has to be occupied with other players. He played a good match and made himself available to the team.
“We shouldn’t get depressed because we have a whole season ahead of us and the goal is to play in the Champions League next year.”
Have you asked for a striker in January?
“We have Pulisic and Leao, who have scored 10 goals between them: we need our midfielders to score more goals from set pieces. Gimenez still has to return.”
Are you superstitious? Napoli also lost to Lazio in the Coppa Italia round of 16…
“No, I can feel the negative people immediately. It’s still a long way off… Do you know how many times Milan have won in Turin in the last twelve years? Just the year of COVID. We’ll face a very difficult match, let’s try to prepare well.”
English (US) ·