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Torino boss Marco Baroni has admitted that he told his team not to try and just hold onto their lead against AC Milan.
It was a perfect start for Torino against Milan on Monday night, as a Nikola Vlasic penalty following a Fikayo Tomori handball gave them the lead. Duvan Zapata then scored his eighth goal against the Rossoneri to double the advantage inside the opening half an hour.
Adrien Rabiot’s rocket from long range quickly halved the deficit, and then in the second half Christian Pulisic was decisive again. The forward – who shook off flu to even take part in the game – scored a brace inside 10 minutes to secure a comeback win for Milan that puts them back top.
Baroni sees the positives
Baroni spoke to DAZN and in a press conference after the final whistle and he attempted to dissect what was a difficult night for his side, after it started so well. MilanNews relayed his comments.
What are your impressions after this game?
“We lacked pressure on the ball. From that perspective, despite the pressure we applied well in the first half, we dropped back, and that’s something we shouldn’t do. We need to work hard, step it up. We need to roll up our sleeves and work hard, but the performance was good.”
Does the team now lack the mental strength to sustain 90 minutes like this?
“I repeat: I’m convinced I liked the team. Simeone and Ismajli will be back, giving us solidity. We have some absences. Duvan has found the back of the net. There are some positives. I’m used to looking at those and being very severe about what doesn’t work.”
What happened at 2-3 with the team temporarily down a man?
“After Tameze came off, Milan quickly got back into the game, the ball didn’t go out. These are situations that penalise you, but they always happen in these cases. We need to be more careful. But I repeat: I have great faith in the team, and we need to focus on the positives.”
How disappointed are you about the defeat? Did Tameze’s injury surprise you?
“Masina wasn’t fully prepared to come on, they started again, and we paid the price. Masina was getting dressed… There are situations that cost us dearly, what I want to see is the team’s positivity.
“We held the field with character, we pressed hard in the first half. The defeat stings, but we have the conviction to get back up tomorrow morning and work.”
Are you satisfied with Anjorin?
“I’m happy with him, with Zapata’s goal, and I’m looking forward to reuniting with Simeone, who wanted to stay with his team-mates. We lost players at a crucial time, and I’m confident we’ll have them back for the next one. There’s the pain of defeat, but also the knowledge that we’ll get through it.”
How important is Zapata?
“He’s crucial, he’s a good guy and a great champion. Torino needs the best Duvan, he’s finally arriving.”
How do you cope after three straight defeats?
“I see the work and dedication, that’s what makes me feel calm. The team can score, but we have to do better, and we know it. We lost the derby against Juve and lost four players, but we’re getting them back. The performance against Milan was convincing, it’s a shame because we didn’t deserve the defeat.”
Were the substitutions a bit late?
“They had a lot of physicality on the pitch, matches are also managed through set pieces and crosses. The two forwards could have kept the ball, but the team pressed a little less after a great first half.
“That’s understandable, it’s a period we’re going through. At half-time, I said it was unthinkable to just hold on to the result, but today I have even more confidence.”
English (US) ·