AC Milan’s never-say-die attitude was the key to victory as Sandro Tonali’s late goal gave the reigning champions a 2-1 away victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A.
That is the view of head coach Stefano Pioli, whose team went ahead within nine minutes when Rafael Leao’s cross was turned into his own net by Miguel Veloso, but Verona were level soon after when Koray Gunter’s shot deflected in off Matteo Gabbia.
With time running out, it appeared Milan would take just a point from the game, until Tonali swept home to secure a fourth straight league win for Pioli’s side with eight minutes remaining.
Milan move up to third in Serie A, crucially remaining just three points behind early leaders Napoli as they look to secure a second successive league title.
“[It was a] difficult game, we started well,” said Pioli.
“Then we made a few mistakes too many, conceding too many chances. But as usual, the team was able to endure it and our qualities made us win the game.”
When asked how positive he was feeling about his side ahead of a busy spell of fixtures, Pioli replied: “We have managed for the first time to win three consecutive games in this championship.
“We are growing, maybe I could have changed something more at the beginning, but we know how important this phase of the season is, and starting with a victory is the best way to face this period.
“They induced some mistakes with the pressure, we made some mistakes.
“But winning these difficult games means that we are growing mentally and in awareness, and that we never give up. This is a quality that my team has inside and knows how to bring out in the important moments.”
Sunday’s victory followed a midweek 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League, and Pioli acknowledged his team may have been struggling with fatigue despite the win over Verona.
“I know we can play better,” Pioli added. “But the boys know it too.
“Character growth is important and allows us to overcome difficult obstacles like these.
“We hope to be able to recover some energy and even some players, an important period of competition awaits us. I’m not saying that they will be decisive for the whole season, but we are close.”
Source: Livescore