AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali has revealed that the Rossoneri knew they were on course for the Serie A title last season after beating rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina.
Stefano Pioli‘s side clinched a first Scudetto since 2011 as they lifted the title in May, with boyhood Diavolo fan Tonali playing an integral role in the success.
According to the former Brescia midfielder, the turning point came as Milan snatched a 2-1 victory over Inter in February, having trailed in the match.
“After the second derby, we knew that the season was going to be different and that we were challenging on our own merit. We didn’t have any games left to waste and it all became simple,” the 22-year-old claimed in an interview with ICON magazine.
“For us players it was easy to deal with the pressure, even though we knew we had to win all the games.
“When we were preparing for the matches during the week we realised how energised we were, and therefore things were very simple on the pitch,” Tonali added.
Tonali’s breakout season
Arriving from Brescia on an initial loan in 2020, Tonali has become a key figure under Pioli and has amassed 95 appearances for the Rossoneri.
The Italian international registered five goals across Milan‘s title-winning campaign, including a crucial stoppage time winner against Lazio in April to send the Rossoneri top of the table.
