AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli is happy with the cohesion amongst his players but says performances still need to improve as they prepare to host Udinese on Saturday.
Milan threw away a two goal lead last weekend at Napoli as Olivier Giroud put them 2-0 up before the hosts scored two second-half goals to share the spoils.
Despite sitting third in Serie A, Milan are now without a win in their last two and Pioli would like his team to improve their performances.
He said in quotes reported on AC Milan’s official website: “I’m extremely satisfied with the group that’s been formed, as I am with our identity.
“I can safely say that I never have any doubts about the togetherness and cohesion; the lads are open and their attitude has always been top notch.
“Even in the Scudetto-winning year, we weren’t as together as this group are.
“But we do need to up our performances from a technical and concentration point of view.”
Milan will look to put things right when they play Udinese at San Siro, who have yet to pick up a win this season despite drawing seven of their opening 10 games.
Pioli expects Udinese to sit deep defensively and admits it could be tough to break them down.
He added: “I believe Udinese will play a waiting game and line up with a tight, low block.
“The main difficulties will be finding the right spaces to surprise them, but at the same time not be left open ourselves on the counter.
“We’ll need to remain composed, patient and compact. We’ll put our best possible side out there tomorrow; we want to win and then start to think about the Champions League.”
Striker Giroud has made a bright start to the season so far having scored six times and assisted three goals throughout the opening nine games, and is the league’s second top scorer behind Lautaro Martinez.
Pioli has hailed his front man and thinks he is among the best strikers he has managed throughout his career.
He said: “Giroud is a great person and player; I’ve always been lucky to coach many top centre-forwards, and he is certainly one of them.
“We all need to improve because that one per cent extra from everyone can make the difference.”
Conte 'not disappointed' with Napoli display despite loss
Antonio Conte says he was "not disappointed" by Napoli's display and commitment after they lost to Lazio for the second time in a week.
Thursday's 3-1 away defeat to Lazio knocked Napoli out of the Coppa Italia, with the home league game on Sunday giving them a chance for revenge along with the opportunity to reclaim top spot from Atalanta, who beat Milan on Friday.
However, Marco Baroni's side were victorious again, with Gustav Isaksen's goal the difference between the sides in their 1-0 win.
It is the first time in Lazio's history that they have won three consecutive away games against Napoli, while the Partenopei have now lost two of their last three home games in Serie A, as many defeats as they suffered in their previous 17.
"Today's match also tells us that the path we are taking is the right one. Our idea is to attack the opponent, to not let them control the game and create situations to hurt," Conte told DAZN.
"There is room for improvement from this point of view. We get there, but the last step is missing.
"We are working on it. I am not disappointed with the performance, the boys gave everything, playing a good match against an excellent team."
Lazio are now just one point behind Napoli, sitting in fifth, in what is turning out to be an excitingly close title race, and after their two wins over his side, Conte is not surprised with their position in the standings.
"Lazio are not a meteorite, they are doing very well," Conte added.
"I'm not disappointed or unhappy, during this journey there are some stumbles, there will probably be others. This is the team I want to see, but we need to have more quality in the final metres."
Lazio manager Baroni knows what it takes to win a Scudetto. He scored the only goal for Napoli, against Lazio, on the final day of the season in 1990 to guarantee them the league title, but he is not getting carried away with his side's success.
"It's hard to make the climb, and it takes a moment to drop back down again," Baroni said.
"I know the league very well, the teams that are at the top, and we have to face them with this attitude. And then in the end we will see."
Friends For Real triumph in 2024 Pocket Rocket Foundation Six-A-Side Football Competition
Friends For Real emerged as champions of the 2024 Pocket Rocket Foundation Six-A-Side Football Competition, defeating Medley Mixers 1-0 in a thrilling final at the Red Stripe Field on Sunday. The victory was sealed by Emeil Atkinson, whose decisive goal crowned the Olympic Gardens-based team champions in their first appearance at the tournament.
The competition, organized by track and field legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Pocket Rocket Foundation, saw spirited performances from all participants. Medley Mixers had secured their spot in the final with a commanding 3-0 win over Legacy, while Friends For Real edged out Legend 1-0 in a hard-fought semifinal clash.
In the final, both teams battled intensely, but Atkinson’s clinical strike proved to be the difference, handing Friends For Real the championship trophy and a cash prize of JMD$300,000. Captain Wyan Nelson expressed his team’s joy and gratitude following their triumphant debut.
“Words can’t describe how we feel as a team. It is our first time entering the competition, and to be unbeaten is a great feeling,” Nelson said. “Shelly-Ann is doing a great thing, and we look forward to entering next year again.”
Medley Mixers, who gave a valiant effort in the final, received JMD$200,000 for their second-place finish, while Legend claimed third place with a 2-1 victory over Legacy in the playoff. Pelleco Shaw and Devontay Ricketts scored for Legend, who were awarded JMD$100,000 for their efforts.
The tournament showcased not just the competitive spirit of the participating teams but also the community-building impact of the Pocket Rocket Foundation. The event continues to provide a platform for local talent and an opportunity for camaraderie among communities, all while supporting the charitable mission of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
With this victory, Friends For Real have set a high bar for next year’s competition, promising more excitement in what has become a highly anticipated annual event.
Napoli 0-1 Lazio: Isaksen the hero as Partenopei miss chance to return to Serie A summit
Napoli missed the chance to return to the Serie A summit following a 1-0 defeat by Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The Partenopei were beaten for the second time in the space of four days by the Biancoceleste, who also prevailed 3-1 in their Coppa Italia last-16 clash at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday.
Marco Baroni's side were victorious once again as Gustav Isaksen struck a wonderful winner 11 minutes from time, moving them level on points with third-place Inter.
Scott McTominay and Isaksen went closed during the first half, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shot narrowly wide just before the break.
Both sides struck the woodwork after the restart; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru hitting the crossbar from distance, while Frank Anguissa's header was denied by the post.
However, the visitors snatched all three points in the 79th minute. Tijjani Noslin - Thursday's hat-trick hero - found Isaksen, who rounded off a swift counter by curling a wonderful 20-yard effort beyond Alex Meret.
Data Debrief: Three is the magic number for Lazio
For the first time in their history, Lazio have won three consecutive Serie A matches away at Napoli.
Their sixth victory by a single-goal margin this term - more than any other team in the division - they have also scored a league-high 12 goals in the 75th minute or later.
Isaksen was the matchwinner with his third goal of the season, already matching his tally for the entire 2023-24 campaign.
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