Pioli after derby win: Milan ferocity surprised Inter

came back from a goal down to turn the Derby Della Madonnina around with a 3-2 victory against

on Saturday.

“Clearly, this was a head-to-head clash, there has always been a rivalry, our opponents wanted to prove they were superior for many reasons,”

Pioli after the game told DAZN.

“I am very satisfied with the attitude of the team, we dominated for 70 minutes, but once we relaxed a little, we started to run risks.

“These lads continue to amaze me with their desire, energy, talent, and eagerness to learn. I am truly a happy coach.

“Inter let us pass it around, we didn’t have to press them too hard. We had aimed to break more down the left, and at times we did well, but above all the team showed great maturity against a very strong opponent. It’s not possible to dominate for 95 minutes, but we showed great determination and presence.

“We realized every ball could be decisive and faced this game with the right attitude.”

Milan will start their Champions League campaign against Salzburg on Tuesday.

“I am sure we have really matured, also helped by the experience in the Champions League in a very difficult group last season. We were concentrated exclusively on the derby, but I know RB Salzburg is very difficult, they have a lot of intensity and tempo in attack, so we must be prepared.

“We’ll do different things, as Inter have a completely different approach to their tactics and shape, but what really matters is the mentality of my team. We try to find situations that can create a slight advantage, but our identity remains the same.

“I think Inter expected us to press them a lot higher than we did, but we surprised them. I knew they would play two quick strikers and so with their qualities, we preferred to sit a little bit deeper, but then put even more energy and ferocity into the individual duels.”

scored two goals in the derby and Pioli was full of praise for him after the game.

“In order to improve, you need talent and intelligence, so Leao has both of those. We gave him the time and freedom to make mistakes so he could learn.

“Naturally, every time we put him in one-on-one situations, he’s an important weapon in our armory. Rafa has body language that might confuse people, but I can assure you he knows what potential he has and is very eager to learn.”

Milan's manager also praised his goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

“The team surprises me, but Mike no longer does. He’s incredible, as a person and a goalkeeper. If we did so well last season, it’s because we have players of a high level and Mike is one of them.”

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