Stefano Pioli claims they were out ‘pace and quality’ after they squandered their little chance of sealing a top-four finish.
Pioli believes they allowed themselves to be got up with ‘pressure and tension’. Despite the perfect outing at Turin, Milan were not close to last week’s shadows.
Pioli says it wasn’t their night and the stalemate does not reflect the Turin fine form.
“It wasn’t our best night, the pace and quality didn’t match up to the latest performances. Even against Juve, it had to be the match of a lifetime. We proved we have the qualities to do well on Sunday as well,” Pioli said.
“In today’s game, a bit of everything went by in terms of emotions. We knew that by winning we could close everything so there was a bit of pressure and tension.
“Maybe even the belief that we could win it anyway. We could move the ball faster to find more advantageous situations,” he added.
Pioli emphasizes that it wasn’t AC Milan night and when it isn’t there was nothing he could do about it.
“The result this afternoon gave them more serenity; it gives you the possibility to be freer. To us, the conviction of ‘it will come’. Pioli said.
“On the other hand, if you don’t approach it the right way, the result won’t come. If it’s not your evening, even with a bit of luck, the result won’t come,” he emphasized.
Pioli admits he has never unlocked the key in defeating Atalanta. However, he vows he sets his Milan side for success.
“The circle will certainly close because it is the last match. Tonight there is great disappointment, we leave tomorrow morning. Atalanta are the only high-level opponent that we have not been able to beat in my year and a half. They are very strong,” Stefano admitted.
“We will prepare ourselves to succeed,” he vowed.