Sportiello replies to the Curva Sud’s protest message: “Not what we wanted” | OneFootball

AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Sportiello has sat down to speak about the Curva Sud protest against Genoa and offered his thoughts about the Rossoneri’s season.

It has been a difficult season for Milan, and whilst there have been spells of positivity, there has always been a dread of the obstacles around the corner, and unfortunately for Stefano Pioli, the obstacles became too big.

There have been several instances this season where the Rossoneri have needed a big result to keep their season going, fuelled by the idea of success. However, at too many hurdles, the side have fallen, and now, the future will be led by someone other than Pioli.

The foundations are there for the future, though, and they are strong. Milan have a talented squad filled with youth, and there can be positivity about the future as long as the replacement is correct.

Sportiello spoke to SportMediaset (via MilanNews) about Sunday’s protest whilst shining light on the disappointments of the 2023-24 season.

More difficult the save on Vlahovic or the double on Kostic and Danilo?

“They were not difficult saves, but ones that I think a goalkeeper must make. The important thing is to have been ready, then the double save was nice, it makes a bit more of a scene: if I have to choose one I choose that one.”

What was in that save?

“It was unexpected to play, maybe it was better that way, because I broke the ice straight away. It’s been a difficult few months, I had an injury and I’m not used to getting injured and being out for so long. Then the important thing is to be ready.”

What kind of season has Milan had?

“There have been these disappointments in the Europa League that have affected us so much, because then I think we had an important season in the league, in which we found an Inter team that was too strong, more for their merits than for our demerits. Then we certainly could have done better in the Coppa Italia and the Europa League, also because in the Champions League with that group we had to go out with Dortmund and PSG, who are now semi-finalists.

“The Europa League had a big impact: there was a lot of disappointment in that week there, including the derby.”

What do you think of the fans’ protest?

“The fans are a 12th man for every team. For sure it will be a particular environment, it’s not what we wanted, but we go out there to win every game and we have to show the people outside that we are there and that we want to finish well, that we are there.”

In the first leg against Genoa Giroud played goalkeeper….

“He was phenomenal, it was an incredible night. He had a lot of courage in making that intervention, I would have stayed in goal because there you risk taking the penalty and you have to have the right light-heartedness… Giroud saved the result, it was a great evening that night”.

What does playing at the San Siro mean to you as a Milan player?

“It’s always exciting, both as an opponent and as a Rossoneri…. My first game here was incredible.”

Can you find more space in these last games?

“Yes, but until we are certain of second place we will play with the best possible formation. Then we must all be ready at all times.”