Tomori delighted with defensive effort after Napoli win: “So many emotions”

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has revealed that Massimiliano Allegri set a target for the team of conceding less goals this season.

Milan made a big statement early in the season as they beat Napoli 2-1 at San Siro to end their unbeaten run and move to top of the table. Alexis Saelemaekers and Christian Pulisic got the goals in the first half, before a controversial incident changed the game.

Pervis Estupinan was adjudged to have hauled down his man as he went for a rebound in the 57th minute, with a VAR check resulting in a red card. Kevin De Bruyne tucked away the penalty, but the Rossoneri stood firm after that and saw out the victory.

‘We proved it tonight’

Tomori spoke to reporters at a post-match press conference after the full-time whistle to give his thoughts on the game, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

How are you feeling?

“I feel good, as does the team, physically and mentally. After a game like this, there are so many emotions. Last year we didn’t start the way we wanted, but this year we started differently, better. We played a great game.”

Are you here to win?

“When you wear the AC Milan shirt, there’s always the desire to win. It’s difficult, though, because the teams in the league are strong. But we are too, and we proved it tonight.”

What has changed from a defensive standpoint?

“We’re compact, we’re united. We knew before the match that they’re a good team, that they play the ball well, so compactness and order were things we talked about. We started well, scored two goals, then in the second half it was a different game. But we stayed united and took home three points.”

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Do you have a different spirit?

“I don’t know where this can take us. Now let’s stay focused on the next match, because it’s also an important match against Juve and we have another chance to show what kind of team we are.”

What has Allegri given you?

“The coach has been here, he’s worked with many strong players and knows what a team needs to win. When Allegri arrived here, he told us straight away that we shouldn’t concede as many goals as last year.

“We worked hard, we followed the coach, not staying compact, not leaving gaps, not going around the pitch stealing the ball. Sometimes you need to stay calm, you need patience, because when we have the ball, we have the quality to cause damage.”