Ignazio Abate feels Milan’s recent dip in form is down to “mental strength” and they must do well against Juventus, but also reminds fans they’re in fourth place.

The Rossoneri have picked up just one point from the last three rounds and if Atalanta beat Bologna this evening, the gap from fourth to fifth will be only one point.

“There are eight rounds to the end of the season and we must try to pick up as many points as possible to achieve our objective,” the full-back told Milan TV.

Ignazio Abate feels Milan’s recent dip in form is down to “mental strength” and they must do well against Juventus, but also reminds fans they’re in fourth place.

The Rossoneri have picked up just one point from the last three rounds and if Atalanta beat Bologna this evening, the gap from fourth to fifth will be only one point.

“There are eight rounds to the end of the season and we must try to pick up as many points as possible to achieve our objective,” the full-back told Milan TV.

“This is a young squad, it started the campaign playing excellent football, then at a certain point focused on being more solid in defence and being more clinical to climb the standings.

“We had a series of injuries and the team came back together, with everyone called into action giving their all. The defeat in the derby was a blow and we have struggled with results over the last three matches, but that can happen.

“The important thing is not to lose our confidence. I think the dip in form was more mental than physical. We had the lead against Udinese and could’ve added a second goal, but didn’t have the mental strength to finish the game.”

The next test on Saturday evening is against Serie A leaders Juventus, who could in theory even win the Scudetto this weekend if they win and Napoli lose.

“We must concentrate on one game at a time. Let’s not forget over the last four or five years, we were 15 points away from the Champions League zone come this stage of the season, but now we are in fourth place and have to hold on tight.

“There is always motivation playing at the Juventus Stadium, we are facing one of the best teams in Europe and must try to do much better than we did at San Siro. We’re going to Turin trying to pick up important points.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *