‘It was a game within a game’

Alexis Saelemaekers has admitted that he was tasked with thwarting Federico Dimarco as he mirrored on AC Milan’s derby win over Inter.

Milan made it a Serie A double over their metropolis rivals on Sunday night time at San Siro, successful 1-0 because of a purpose from Pervis Estupinan. The Ecuadorian fired into the highest nook after a beautiful move from Youssouf Fofana discovered his run in behind, and that might be sufficient for all three factors.

A resolute defensive effort adopted from Milan, who managed to carry off strain from Inter, even when Mike Maignan was quiet. It means the hole on the high is lower to seven factors, and Milan have additionally ended the Nerazzurri’s unbeaten run at 15 video games, for the reason that final derby.

‘The canine was extra vital than the sport’

Saelemaekers spoke to DAZN after the 1-0 derby victory to provide his ideas on one other hard-fought win in an enormous recreation this season beneath Massimiliano Allegri. His phrases had been relayed by MilanNews.

You shocked Inter with an uncommon method, urgent excessive up the pitch. Allegri continues to be speaking a couple of Champions League spot…

“We agree with the coach, we’re following his lead. Our purpose is to qualify for the Champions League. We performed a terrific match, which was vital for us. We had a terrific mentality, united till the tip. We should proceed to take action within the subsequent matches.”

What difficulties did you encounter immediately within the defensive section?

“We all know Dimarco is a superb participant and that Inter’s recreation relies upon totally on him. For me, the defensive section was vital. They’re harmful on the left aspect, I attempted to dam his crosses as a result of we all know he has actually high approach.

“Everytime you give him house, he places the ball the place he desires. These had been the coach’s suggestions earlier than the match: block his crosses, go arduous on him right away, don’t let him play. It was a recreation inside a recreation immediately, I’m completely satisfied we gained and obtained the three factors.”

Was Milan’s method the best one?

“I’ve to say we approached it the best approach, we had been targeted from begin to end. There are ups and downs within the recreation, and in these moments, we now have to remain united till the tip. There’s at all times room for enchancment, and we’ll strive to take action till the tip of the season.”

Your mother and father had been additionally on the stadium immediately…

“They despatched me two messages. ‘Nice recreation,’ after which ‘Are you able to verify with the digital camera if our Blu [Alexis’ dog] is okay?’ (laughs). They’re in love with my canine. The canine was extra vital than the sport.”