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Stefano Pioli praised his Milan team for their 3-1 victory at Parkhead, but admitted that Celtic made their superstars work for it.
The Serie A giants took an early lead and controlled the first half of the Europa League tie, with the hosts scrambling to get into the game.
However, Neil Lennon switched to a back-four at half time and, after landing a goal through Mohamed Elyounoussi, they put Milan’s bottom line under siege.
A late goal from Jens Hauge put some sparkle on the scoreboard, but the Rossoneri The boss admitted that his side had been on the ropes.
Pioli told Milan TV: “It was definitely a game that we controlled well, but in the second half we could have played more precise football.”
“It is proof that in Europe you will never have it easy, you will have to play until the end and you will have to suffer.
“We were a team with clear ideas and we showed great mental strength.
“It was a deserved victory, but this group is well balanced, our strength is that we always treat the next game as the most important.”
While Milan were at the top for much of the match, they faced a Celtic attack in the final stages.
Pioli admitted: “I prefer to defend higher up the field, but we dug well.
“We have conceded too many shots, but you can’t be in control for 95 minutes.
“It’s good when you go through difficulties to win, we make a great effort and we want to be more and more aware of what we can do.”
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