Empoli boss D’Aversa highlights ‘difference’ with Milan and reveals what he said to Conceicao | OneFootball

Empoli boss Roberto D’Aversa believes his side threw away a big chance to get a first ever home win over AC Milan in Serie A after Fikayo Tomori’s red card.

After a cagey opening 45 minutes, things kicked into life when Fikayo Tomori (two yellows) and Marianucci (a kick-out at Santiago Gimenez) got red cards in fairly quick succession, resulting in a 10v10 game.

Rafael Leao was the man who then put Milan in front as he headed in Christian Pulisic’s deep cross, then the American teed up Gimenez for his first goal since arriving. It was a finish that showed why he is the €35m man, and the subs made the difference for the Rossoneri in the end.

D’Aversa spoke to DAZN at the end of the game to give his thoughts on a game that certainly had some positives for his side but ultimately ended with zero points. MilanNews relayed his comments.

It was a great first half from Empoli, but did you perhaps not attack Milan’s high line enough? Then the game changed with the red cards…

“Well, the game can be commented on by talking about the difference in experience between the two teams. Gimenez was smart. But just hearing the word smart means something is wrong. I think these guys played a great game.

“We threw away our numerical superiority, we could have managed the situation better than we deserved on the field. The team played with courage. These are incidents that determine the game and the judgments of the game itself.”

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Up until two months ago Empoli were getting points and performing well, now…

“Don’t you see what you saw two months ago, or you’re not seeing the results? These guys can be blamed for the final 20 minutes against Lecce. There’s a difference in experience with Milan, there’s a difference in the squad.

“They throw on Pulisic, Leao and Gimenez, us two guys. In the first half the guys deserved to take the lead. We pay for the fact that we have so many injuries.”

How is Viti? What did you and Conceiçao say at the end?

“Let’s just hope it’s a big blow. I simply told him that you don’t systematically have to call something in your favour even when it’s not. But these are hot situations, nobody likes to lose. But then we hugged and said goodbye.

“He complimented me, but when you lose it’s hard to accept compliments. But absolutely nothing happened, I was a little nervous.”