Abate reacts to Primavera victory over Juventus: 'We’re on the right path'

AC Milan Primavera coach Ignazio Abate has spoken positively about the development of his team after their 1-0 victory over Juventus on Monday. 

The Rossoneri were away against the Bianconeri on Monday night and managed to get the win thanks to a goal from Francesco Camarda, which was his 13th of the season. His back-post header after only 15 minutes was all that Milan needed to pull 11 points ahead of Juventus.

Abate spoke to Milan TV (via Milan News) after the match about the season so far and what this victory means given there were many absentees from the squad.

Abate explained that whilst Milan did a lot right during the 1-0 win, there were elements of the performance that can be improved upon in the future.

“The second year in a row that we played on Easter Monday, but this time it went well. We conducted the match in the best possible way, we played a great first half and the big regret is not having closed it out in the first 45 minutes. In the second half we knew Juve would come back with desire, we suffered the right amount. The pace was high, there was a lot of heat, but we created some clear chances. The boys could have handled the ball better in the second half but they won the game with suffering, with character, with heart, like the great group they are. We’re on the right path,” Abate said.

The coach also talked about the botched preparation for the game as 14 of his players were away on international duty, so he was working with an unusual mix of youngsters for a tough game.

“We worked without 14 national players. Those who stayed at Milanello worked great, we joined the first team. We got together four days ago and prepared for the match in two days. I’m very happy, everyone is part of the group.”

There was an injury for Victor Eletu which has upset Abate, but there are players that he expects to get back shortly for the rest of the season.

“I’m sorry about Victor’s injury, we’ll lose him until the end of the year, we hope to recover Hugo Cuenca and Nilsen. We will need everyone. It was an important victory for the league table and I am sure we will have a great end to the season,” he said.

The first half was certainly the best for Milan and on that, Abate said: “I liked it a lot. We showed great personality, great dribbling technique. We occupied the pitch and spaces well. We tried to alternate play inside and on the flanks. We have to become more cynical and nasty: that’s the next stage of maturation. We’re on the right path but the group is working well and with their heads down. Regardless of how it goes, I’m very happy for their growth and mental conviction.”