Gilardino ‘Not sure if I’m angry or happy after Pisa draw at Milan’

Alberto Gilardino admitted he was torn between pride and frustration after Pisa came within minutes of a shock victory at San Siro, ultimately leaving with a valuable 2-2 draw against league-leaders Milan.

Speaking to Sky Sport, with quotes via MilanNews, the Pisa coach said he was “not sure if I’m more angry for the result or happy for the performance,” reflecting on a match where his side pushed the Rossoneri to the brink.

“If someone had told us we would play a game like this at San Siro, I would have signed immediately. After a normal first half, we played the second with personality and courage. We had the match in our hands. It’s a great point and a huge injection of confidence.”

Gilardino praised his squad’s mentality and tactical discipline, insisting Pisa must continue on this path. “We were effective with our choices and even when we added a midfielder, the boys gave me great availability. We have to keep thinking positive and working: that’s the only medicine I know.”

Pisa have earned plaudits for their performances against the league’s top sides, but their coach warned that consistency will decide their season.

“Against Verona or Udinese we must improve more with the ball. It’s not easy to attack low blocks, but this team has room to grow. Against the big clubs we’ve played matches of substance – now we must turn good performances into points.”

The message, however, remains clear for Gilardino and his newly-promoted squad: “We know our path. We have to fight for points in every match. Tonight we had the game in our grasp, but let’s not forget we faced the team in first place. We must keep our heads up.”

You can read our match report for the 2-2 draw here.