Pioli likes Milan display but expects Spurs response

Stefano Pioli was satisfied with Milan’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Tottenham, but he is aware that Milan will face a difficult challenge in the return match.

The Rossoneri will take a slim lead to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 8 in the fight for a quarterfinal spot thanks to Brahim Diaz’s early goal at San Siro on Tuesday.

The Serie A champions defeated Torino 1-0 last Friday to snap a dismal seven-game losing streak, and they quickly followed that up with their first competitive victory over Spurs at the fifth attempt.

Malick Thiaw and Charles De Ketelaere missed glorious opportunities to increase Milan’s lead in the round of 16, but a heavier loss would have been harsh on Antonio Conte’s team on the former Inter head coach’s return to San Siro.

The Milan boss Pioli, was happy to be ahead at the halfway point of the game because he knows the Premier League club would be confident in their ability to come from behind in London the following month.

He told Mediaset: “It was a difficult, hard-fought match against a tough team. We played a good game, but we know how tough it will be. But tonight I’m satisfied.”

Pioli added: “This performance will give us morale, but we have to be attentive, dynamic, ready. We’ve had a difficult month, but we’re trying to overcome all the difficulties. I keep thinking and believing I’m coaching a truly special group.”

Asked if he was disappointed not having a bigger lead, he replied: “Yes, for those two chances… De Ketelaere’s and Thiaw’s. But they, too, put us in difficulty and there are many positive aspects.

“It was only the first stage and the second will be even more difficult.”

FM