Pioli: "Two set - pieces changed everything"

MILAN - Stefano Pioli was left to rue two dropped points after AC Milan nicked a derby equaliser deep into injury time.

"Games aren't over till they're over. Unfortunately, we missed a great chance in added time while AC Milan equalised in the 97th minute," said the manager after the 2-2 draw at San Siro.

"It was a tough match and ultimately we weren't able to win it. It would have made a big difference. It's a shame for our current position in the table and what it could mean for the rest of the season. We had the chance to move ahead of Milan after a poor performance against Crotone. Three points today would have meant a lot but sadly we were unable to see out the win. It makes it difficult now but we have to put everything we've got into our remaining games."

On the decision to replace Joao Mario with Murillo: “They were playing with four attacking players and two centre forwards. We conceded from two set-pieces and didn't struggle much from open play so it's got little to do with our tactical set-up anyway.

"Obviously the final score influences the way people assess things – everything would have been different without that last corner. We were set up well and managed the game well. We could have done better with the chances we had on the break but those two set-pieces changed everything.”

Finally, a question on the future: “My choices depend on what the club wants to do but I don't feel I've given everything I have yet. We have to focus on the job and try to improve. We still have games to play so we need to pick ourselves up.

“The good thing about today was our desire to win and respond to our recent bad games. We're disappointed with the result but we must be strong because we still have important matches to play and we can still qualify for the Europa League.”