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Pioli proud of Milan after late win over Lazio

Hernandez, Lazio
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Milan boss Stefano Pioli was pleased with his side’s attitude and character as they claimed a 3-2 win over Lazio on Wednesday night.

Stefano Pioli watched his side seal a late win to remain top of the table after a 3-2 win over Lazio at San Siro.

Milan took the early hold of the game thanks to strikes from Ante Rebic and Hakan Calhagnolu in the 10th and 17th minutes respectively.

Immobile missed a penalty in the 28th minute before Alberto Luiz scored from that sequence.

The Lazio captain made up for his penalty miss with a goal in the 59th minute to level the scores.

A furious Pioli was set to see his side go home with a draw until Theo Hernandez came up with a ‘trademark’ late goal to win it for Milan in the 92nd minute.

The Rossoneri boss was pleased to see his side fight to the end.

“I called them to wish them a merry Christmas, I knew they would run away afterwards to join their families,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.

“We always try to win games, we did it and I am really happy. I am proud of my team, they are doing something incredible,” he added.

Calhanoglu was one of the shining lights in the game with a goal and an assist. The Turkish international is out of contract at the club by end of the season and Pioli gave an update on the player’s future.

“We are winning many games because we have strong footballers, I wouldn’t change them with others. [Hakan] Calhanoglu has incredible technical qualities, he is a fantastic player, he always knows what to do, he is generous, he is a top player.”

“I think Calha is happy here, negotiations are ongoing, but we all want the same thing.”

Milan and Pioli will end 2020 on a high as they lead the way in Serie A going into the second half of the season.

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