Maignan insists Milan played Inter ‘as if it were a final’ and discusses new formation | OneFootball

Mike Maignan insists he and the team knew how important the Coppa Italia semi-final was for AC Milan, to try save the season.

Milan recorded a famous night in their recent history as they beat Inter 3-0 to reach the final of the cup. Luka Jovic was the star of the show in many ways as he scored either side of the break to net himself a brace, while Tijjani Reijnders added some late gloss to the scoreline.

There were a lot of impressive components to the performance, a fifth derby without defeat this season. One was the defensive effort in front of Maignan, but he also had a stellar moment as he saved Stefan De Vrij’s powerful header from a corner that prevented it from being 1-2.

Maignan spoke to SportMediaset after the game to share his emotions after a memorable night and another clean sheet, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

It must be a great feeling to reach the final…

“We knew that this match was very, very important for our season: in the league and in the Champions League we didn’t do well and so we played this match as if it were a final.”

Do you think the three-man defence works?

“I see everything the coach puts on the field as good. We have to be focused with every system, we have to put everything on the field to do well.”