Stefano Pioli chastised Milan after a poor performance resulted in a goalless draw with Sassuolo, but the head coach expects a better performance against Inter on Saturday.
The Rossoneri have two wins and two draws in their first four Serie A games, though their performance against Sassuolo on Tuesday left much to be desired.
Pioli’s team were far from their best, and they were perhaps fortunate to share the spoils after Mike Maignan had to save a penalty from Domenico Berardi in the first half.
Milan’s failure to collect three points allowed Inter, Roma, and Napoli to leapfrog them in the early stages of the 2022-23 Scudetto race.
Pioli’s next opponent is fierce rival Inter, and the Milan coach admits that this latest performance must be improved.
“It wasn’t a Milan of quality, technique, or decision-making,” said Pioli. “We played too fast football, we couldn’t read the game, and it made it complicated.”
“It made it dirty, ruffled, and lacked rhythm.” We had trouble finding parking. We started well, and I liked the start very much, but then we lost our calm and were too eager to find the opponent’s goal.
“I’ve already seen the players, and they’ve said more.” We lacked quality and calmness; they are aware of this, and it is critical. “I believe the next matches will be different.”
When asked if preparations were different because of the upcoming match with Inter, Pioli responded, “We recovered after [Saturday’s] 2-0 win over Bologna and tried to prepare for the game well from a tactical standpoint.”
“It will be simple to say something to the team about the derby. It’s a derby, the rivalry is fierce, and we know how important the outcome can be, so we’ll prepare accordingly.”
Milan’s path to the Scudetto last season was marked by fast-paced play and a never-say-die attitude, which was largely absent against Sassuolo.
Milan’s championship-winning season has altered the perception of Pioli’s team, and the coach has urged his players to rise to the occasion.
“Our expectations have increased, and we must meet them, but that’s right, it’s a privilege,” Pioli said.