Following the elimination from the Coppa Italia, the Rossoneri want to redeem themselves: "What we lacked in the last two games was maybe the fighting spirit which had made the difference in the other games." – THE DECLARATIONS
MILAN – These are the declarations of the Rossoneri at the end of Milan-Lazio 1-2:
ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO
"There is a bit of disappointment because I was hoping that the game would end in a win, but unfortunately we remained in 10 men and they found the equalizer from the penalty spot. But in ten men it was certainly more difficult to play.
"However, I'm happy that I found the goal and I want to thank all of the fans who supported me and who were present tonight, because they always make us feel their warmth.
"Every day I feel better, I found back the goal at San Siro, but my biggest worry now is to find the right condition.
"Tonight the team had many chances, even I missed something, this is because I must still find the right tranquillity in front of goal to manage to score. On Ricky's ball, I made the mistake.
"Every day I try to improve, for me every training is a step forward, every game two steps forwards and little by little I'm returning to be the real Shevchenko.
"Obviously if I had scored before, it could have been a bigger help for the team and it would have been another game.
"However, I'm concentrated 100% on Milan because for me it's already a great target to be here."
LUCA ANTONINI
"We lost a game which if it had ended in eleven against eleven players, it would surely have gone different, because they did not create great chances, whereas ours were cleared.
"Now we must only think about Sunday's clash against Catania. We must prepare it well, even though we wasted a lot of energy during extra time, in a very cold climate.
"We had the possibility to make up for the Palermo game, but it doesn't matter. We must now look forward and we must win against Catana to reach our main objective which is the Scudetto. I'm satisfied with my performance also because if I play more often I will acquire more confidence. On the pitch I had the right pace to attack the opponent, but then it's not easy when in ten against eleven and Lazio were good in the counter attacks.
"We must work more on the defensive phase. We always do it, but now we have three days available to prepare the clash against Catania who use a lot the counter attack.
"What we lacked in the last two games is maybe the fighting spirit which had made the dfference in the other games.
"Senderos played a good game, he was strong with his headers and he anticipated well the opponents also in the long balls. I think that even he, once he plays more regularly, will find the right condition."
CARDACIO
"I'm very happy with my debut in official competitions, but at the same time sad for the defeat. Now we must look forward, also because this team is strong, rich in great champions and we must win the Scudetto.
"I think that I improved since my arrival here. I just lack a bit of experience, but it's not easy to play little and find the right rhythm straight away, but I'm sure that I will improve with time.
"For me it's fantastic to be able to train and play with great champions like those that are at Milan. It's useful for me to grow.
"The coach gave me the opportunity to go on the pitch and I'm very thankful for this."
