AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic claims a lack of match fitness played a role in their hard-fought Coppa Italia clash with Crotone.
The Rossoneri were level with the Serie B side on the full-time whistle, but Giacomo Bonaventura and M’Baye Niang ensured the win with their respective extra-time goals.
“It’s no accident that Crotone are second in Serie B, they are a very organised team,” Mihajlovic declared in his press conference.
“I gave chances to other players today, including Keisuke Honda who needed the match practice and is determined to succeed.
“But I understand it isn’t easy for him, which is why I wanted to give him and other players the chance today to impress us.”
Mihajlovic brought on Giacomo Bonaventura and captain Riccardo Montolivo who were instrumental in earning the result.
“There are no easy wins, the game is always won on the pitch. Some played well but not all were match fit,” he added.
“I can’t expect them to be fit when they haven’t played, it was tough but in the end we won,” Mihajlovic concluded.
Milan will now face Sampdoria in the next round of the tournament, with the coach determined to lift the cup.
