AS Roma did not defeat AC Milan's European ambitions
The game saw Milan miss a penalty in the first half through M’Baye Niang, who had missed a spot kick in the previous game against relegation threatened Crotone. The performance wasn't the best from Roma, who would certainly be pleased with a hard working showing at the the Stadio Olimpico.
Milan, on the other hand, did come up with a good showing, but failed to carve out clear cut opportunities on goal. While, Niang’s missed spot kick was their only clear cut attempt to score, manager Vincenzo Montella feels the need to compliment the players on the performance.
He told after the game: “We are of course disappointed, especially the players but I want to compliment them on the match they played, well done".
The loss does keep Milan at the third place in the table, but a three point gap has now opened up between Roma and the Rossoneri, denting Milan’s hopes of winning the Scudetto this season. And Montella has ruled out that his side will win the title. The Italian told: "I don't think we can fight to win the Scudetto, we are only at the beginning of our path. If we win against Atalanta we will be 7 points clear the sixth place, it would be important for our European ambitions".
The former Fiorentina boss came close to defending Niang, who missed his second penalty in just as many games on Monday evening in Rome. The Italian also focused on the need for changing the penalty taker for the next few games. Montella said: "After two penalties missed you have to understand it's not easy for a player. Niang is the one in charge of taking the penalties because I know he is good at it. In the next matches we'll decide, it depends on how the player will react”
Despite a defeat to Luciano Spalletti's side, Montella praised their Monday’s opponents and their attacking force.”Roma have the best attack in the league with great players, experienced and even though they were coming off a positive stretch at home they didn't give me the impression they could overwhelm us. The match was decided by a great shot by Nainggolan, well done to him. We tried to bounce back attacking immediately after we conceded the goal, but we were a bit disorganized.”
Kaustubh Pandey @TheFootyMad
