Pioli lauds 'mentally strong' Milan after 7-goal Torino thrashing

A comprehensive victory in Turin helped the Rossoneri make their case stronger for a return to Champions League.

AC Milan have become “a mentally strong team,” said Stefano Pioli after his side’s 7-0 win over Torino in Serie A on Wednesday.

Theo Hernandez opened the floodgates with a thunderous strike at the 19-minute mark, with Franck Kessie doubling his side’s advantage from the penalty spot. Brahim Diaz added a third five minutes into the second half before Hernandez bagged a brace with another excellent strike. Ante Rebic then scored a 12-minute hat-trick to complete the pounding.

It marked a third successive win and a third consecutive clean sheet for Milan, who won against Juventus 3-0 at the weekend after beating Benevento 2-0.

Wednesday’s result also means they now just need one more win to secure Champions League qualification.

“We have become a mentally strong team,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia after the match.

“I never forget that I coach a very young team that have become mature and solid. They have awareness. It’s the most rewarding step for our work.”

“These moments confirm to me that I was lucky enough to coach a special group. They love each other, they work every day to try to grow, to improve. There is a desire to try to do something important.

“The work is there, you can see, but we haven’t achieved anything yet.”