AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his side’s 2-0 defeat by Lazio at San Siro on Wednesday could prove a blessing in disguise.
Allegri’s side missed the opportunity to go top of the Serie A after being undone by late goals from Hernanes and Tommaso Rocchi.
However, despite the setback, Allegri is remaining calm, believing his players just need to learn how to win ugly.
“We just played a bad game against a team that has given us very little,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. “The championship is still long, however, with so many games remaining.”
“This defeat will surely do us good. Lately, even in victory, we have not had the right level of meanness required win the championship.”
“We have lost two games against Inter and Lazio in pretty much the same manner, with our own mistakes.”
“We lack that something extra to win these type of games.”
Meanwhile, Lazio boss Edy Reja was full of praise for the way in which his side coped without striker Miroslav Klose, who was ruled out through injury.
“We played a good game and gave away little in defence,” Reja said. “I am very pleased with the boys who showed great determination in an emergency situation.”
“(Senad) Lulic and (Alvaro) Gonzalez both have given us so much tonight, both in attack and in defence. They played a perfect game, also doubling up well in midfield.”
“We wanted to win this game and we went back onto the field for the second half determined to get the result.”
“This group has great character and a great mentality.”
“We have sold many forward players and now we are a little short. We could not, unfortunately, hit the targets that we set ourselves.”
“But if the guys will play like this again we can aim for top positions given the difficulties of the other teams like Inter and Napoli.”
“Even in the middle of the park we are short on numbers and I will have to come up with something.”
Milan will be hoping to return to winning ways when they host Napoli at San Siro on Sunday, while Lazio will be looking to maintain their momentum in the lunchtime kick-off at the Luigi Ferraris against Genoa.
