Pioli: "The lads gave everything they had"

MILAN - Stefano Pioli refused to criticise his side after they were beaten 2-1 by Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, insisting that the players had "given everything they had" to get back into the contest.

"We started the match very well and had a great chance through Perisic, then Kondogbia hit the post," Pioli told Rai Sport. "It was all us for the first 18 minutes, but then we completely switched off and paid a high price. If we had kept eleven men on the park I think there would have been every chance for us to get back into it. In any case, I want to say well done to my players because they gave everything they had, despite being a man light.

"Obviously we need to work on a few little things, especially when we're up against such good opposition. You're always going to lose games, but the great teams bounce back straight away and I'm convinced that we're a great side. We didn't want to lose this one because the Coppa Italia was one of our objectives, but now we'll work even harder to make sure we're ready for our upcoming matches."