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Matteo Gabbia believes that AC Milan were wrongly denied a clear penalty during their 1-0 win over Bologna on Sunday night.
Milan made it back to back wins in Serie A as they beat Bologna 1-0 at San Siro, with Luka Modric the match-winner. The only goal of the contest came exactly an hour in, with the Croatian midfielder sweeping home a cut-back from Alexis Saelemaekers to score just a few days after turning 40.
However, there was some late controversy too. Substitute Christopher Nkunku was found in behind by a dink and going down under pressure from Lucumi. No penalty was given for that but then the Frenchman went over again as Freuler stuck a leg in, which did draw a penalty.
Rather bafflingly, the VAR room called the referee over and the spot kick was reversed because Nkunku was adjudged to have dived, but they did not take a look at the previous incident which looked a certain offence. Massimiliano Allegri, predictably, got a red card after.
‘Was a penalty’
Gabbia spoke to DAZN moments after the full-time whistle last night to give his reaction to what was a tough and hard-fought three points over all. His comments are via MilanNews.
Was it a penalty on Nkunku?
“A situation that in our opinion, as the Milan team, was a penalty. Then the decisions are made by other people; the referees saw things differently. Fortunately, today, teamwork allowed us to win the match anyway.
“There’s no point dwelling on the incident. I feel sorry for Chris [Nkunku], because he would have taken the shot. I wanted him to break the deadlock in his first match at San Siro.”
Does Nkunku have personality?
“A lot, he’s a very strong player. I didn’t discover him. His career shows he has plenty of personality. We’re enjoying him.”
Allegri’s jacket came off…
“The coach’s reaction is certainly the same as all of us. But we need to be more balanced on the pitch. The coach and his staff were there until the last minute, encouraging us and telling us something extra.
“We’re happy and honoured to have them with us. We need to follow all their advice to do well this season.”
Mike Maignan went off…
“He was very disappointed to leave the pitch today; he wanted to help the team win the match. He’ll undergo tests this week, and we’ll see how it goes. I’m very sorry for Mike; I know what a professional he is, and he really gives his all.
“He helps us. I also want to congratulate Terracciano; he came on really well. He showed he has great experience, and he was a huge help to us.”
What do you see new in the defensive phase?
“Today, but also in Lecce, we gave positive feedback, first and foremost to ourselves. We really worked as a team. I want to congratulate Santi, Loftus, and Pulisic. They helped us up front with a fierce pressing that made life easier for us at the back.
“It’s truly a team effort; the coach is pushing for this and is hammering away every day. We want to improve and push ourselves further.”
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