Napoli v AC Milan in Champions League: What they said
Key quotes after AC Milan advanced 2-1 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw against Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie in Naples on Tuesday:
-- Napoli will win the Italian title and totally deserve to, but it makes us proud to have qualified against a very strong opponent. It was two very balanced matches. Our double advantage (1-0 at halftime after winning 1-0 the first leg) made us play very low and create little in the second half, but that's good. This qualification will give us a lot of confidence, after having already eliminated Tottenham. It gives you strength, self-confidence, the ability to handle pressure. We have done a lot and we absolutely do not want to stop. We were considered underdogs against Napoli, but I coach a group with a big heart. We grit our teeth and suffered but deserved qualification."
-- Stefano Pioli, AC Milan coach
"Congratulations to Milan and also to my players. We had a great Champions League. We came to these games a bit out of steam, and we paid for our inexperience."
-- Luciano Spalletti, Napoli coach
"I wanted to please our tifosi who came in such numbers to Naples. I'm happy to have scored after fantastic work by Leao, even if I could have scored before. We played the match we wanted, scoring in the first half. With this state of mind, we can dream. A still difficult match awaits us in the next round, whether against Inter Milan or Benfica."
-- Olivier Giroud, Milan striker, speaking on Mediaset
"I know I can make the difference. If I can't score, I look for my teammates, here it was Giroud. I know if I give him a good ball he'll score. Last year I had a good season in the league and I wanted to show it again this year in the Champions League."
-- Rafael Leao, Milan forward, talking to Mediaset
"The way I'm feeling now I'm going to be watching (tomorrow's quarter-final between Inter and Benfica) on the sofa with my legs up because I am so tired. We're just happy to be in the semi-final. We're relaxed. Obviously, playing Inter would be a nice semi-final but Benfica are a strong side too."
-- Fikayo Tomori, Milan defender, speaking to BT Sport
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