Zapata ‘bittersweet’ after goal in Milan defeat: “The result is a bit unfair”

Duvan Zapata believes that the scoreline is unfair on Torino, after they let a two-goal lead slip to lose to AC Milan on Monday night.

Torino took a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes thanks to a Vlašić penalty and Zapata’s goal, and it looked as though Milan’s bad run away against the Granata would continue. The Rossoneri reacted quickly though, as Adrien Rabiot halved the deficit with a stunning strike from range.

The introduction of Christian Pulisic proved pivotal, as the forward scored just 39 seconds after coming on, and then 10 minutes later he scored again to put Milan into the lead. The American had overcome flu to feature, and he provided the ultimate contribution as the Diavolo went back top.

Zapata spoke at the post-match press conference after the full-time whistle in Turin and offered his thoughts after a mixed evening for him personally and for the team. MilanNews published his words.

You scored, but Torino lost…

“These are bittersweet feelings. I’ve been searching for a goal for a long time. I’m happy because I scored again, but the defeat is also something that hurts.

“We were winning 2-0, and losing hurts. We have to take the positives with us: we faced a Milan team fighting for the top spots, they have great quality. The result is a bit unfair.”

Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

How do you deal with the competition for the striker role?

“It’s always nice to score, I live for it. Competition must be good for the team, we have to fight for a place. Now Simeone will return and will give even more value to our attack, it’s important that we all find the goal.”

How do you pick yourselves up again?

“It’s a difficult time. Before Como, we were coming off a good run of results, and now we’ve lost three in a row. We have to persevere and not give up. During difficult matches, it sometimes seems like we’re not on top form. This is something we need to improve on; we need to suffer together.”

What did you think after scoring?

“I didn’t know how to celebrate… I was so excited I didn’t know what to do, I just did what I felt. I hope to continue, goals are important for the team.”