El Shaarawy applauds Handanovic performance

AC Milan attacker Stephan El Shaarawy has praised Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the wake of Sunday’s 1-1 draw in Serie A.

AC Milan attacker Stephan El Shaarawy has praised Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the wake of Sunday’s 1-1 draw in Serie A.

The Italy forward gave the Rossoneri the lead before the interval and Mario Balotelli had a number of chances to extend their lead.

However, Handanovic kept his side in the game with a string of fine saves, before Ezequiel Schelotto eventually restored parity in the second half.

“In the first half we created a lot but Handanovic played a fantastic game and made some really great saves,” El Shaarawy told the Milan website.

“The result was a bit disappointing as we deserved to win based on how we played.”

El Shaarawy was delighted with his goal, stating that scoring in the derby is a unique feeling.

“It was a great ball from (Kevin-)Prince (Boateng) that set me up. I’m happy with the goal as scoring in a derby is a really unique experience,” he said.

“I will watch the goal again and again, it was a moment of great satisfaction.”

The youngster picked up a minor knee injury in Sunday’s draw, but stressed that the knock does not appear to be too serious.

“My knee is a bit sore but I’m sure we’ll be able to take care of that,” he said.

Milan sit third in Serie A with 45 points from 26 games.