Ricci discusses box-to-box role and Roma's pressure: "That wasn't our tactical idea"

"Samuele Ricci felt certain that AC Milan would see out the win against Roma, but he believes it is still a good draw away from home. Milan spent pretty much the entire first half penned into their own box as Roma wasted multiple chances. Yet, in the second half, when Luka Modric whipped in a gorgeous cross for Koni De Winter to head home and make it 0-1, it looked like another Max Allegri masterclass."

"The lead wasn't to last for too long though, as Davide Bartesaghi was penalised for a handball and Lorenzo Pellegrini scored from the spot to earn an eventual 1-1 draw. Mike Maignan has already voiced his disapproval regarding the decision, believing that Bartesaghi had nowhere to put his arm."

"It's a good point, on a difficult pitch. In the first half, we conceded too much, partly due to our own errors in pushing up the pitch and building the game. They scored in the second half, but that's fair enough. Mike saved us on many occasions. Definitely yes. Last year I often played as a regista but I can also play as a mezzala. I try to contribute in the possession and dribbling phase. It's never good to be all locked in your own penalty area. They did well too, but that wasn't our tactical idea tonight. Yes, given the way things were going. From the pitch, I thought we'd take it home because I didn't see any danger in their play. Then there was the penalty incident, while in the first half we conceded too much while they were much more dangerous."

AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw away at Roma after conceding a penalty that allowed Lorenzo Pellegrini to level the match. Milan had been largely under pressure in the first half, with Roma missing multiple chances, before Luka Modric supplied a cross for Koni De Winter to open the scoring. Davide Bartesaghi was penalised for handball, a decision contested by keeper Mike Maignan. Samuele Ricci described the point as good on a difficult pitch, noted first-half defensive issues, said he feels comfortable playing as a mezzala, and believed Milan could have taken all three points.

Read at SempreMilan