AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has stressed the importance of the collective spirit that the squad showed in their Scudetto winning season.
Going into 2021-22 Milan were not the favourites to win the Serie A title, but they prevailed thanks to an incredible end to the season during which they did not slip in their last six league games while Inter’s one slip against Bologna was punished.
Maldini spoke during an interview with DAZN and retraced the key moments that led to the 19th Scudetto as part of a special programme recapping the season, with his comments relayed by PianetaMilan.
On the victory against Lazio: “The one against Lazio was a key victory, it was decisive for the victory of the Scudetto. A draw would have complicated the race to the Scudetto.”
On the character of the team: “Our spirit was combative from day one. We never made excuses. We went through difficult moments, injuries, Covid and even some referee mistakes, without ever making excuses.”
On the draw against Bologna: “We lost two points at home against Bologna, who had also had an excellent match away at Juventus. In 2022, those who still think that certain matches are easy will be surprised.”
On the Scudetto victory: “We have been stronger, more consistent and more on track. We have been more ready to react to difficulties and take advantage of opportunities. If we had stumbled against Verona, Fiorentina or Atalanta we would not have won the Scudetto.”
There were some key moments towards the end of the season when the Rossoneri beat Atalanta 2-0 in their final home game to mean they just needed a win in the last round against Sassuolo, with the title then being wrapped up thanks to a dominant 3-0 victory in Reggio Emilia the following week.
On Theo’s goal against Atalanta: “It’s a goal that only Theo can score.”
On the last match against Sassuolo: “With that Rossoneri representation in the crowd, the chances of not winning the Scudetto were very few.”
On the Scudetto: “Honestly, I don’t remember ever celebrating so much. Maybe the fact that I haven’t won anything for 11 years has had a lot of influence.”
