Advertisement
Mario Taddeo
Dramatic

'It would've been better to get stabbed': New Milan boss Gattuso stunned by Benevento draw

The iconic former player, recently named as manager, watched as goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli scored a 95th-minute equaliser.

IT WAS SUPPOSED to be a clean slate for AC Milan.

The gnarling, terrier-like Gennarro Gattuso had been brought in as a replacement for Vincenzo Montella and his first game in charge seemed a relatively painless clash against the worst team in the league who were still waiting to pick up their very first Serie A point.

But, owing to an inexplicable 95th-minute equaliser from Benevento goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli, Milan were left stunned and had to make do with a 2-2 draw.

Afterwards, Gattuso was his usual dramatic self.

“It hurts. It would’ve been better to get stabbed than concede this goal,” he said.

“We suffered in the final 15 minutes, but conceded a bizarre goal. I never would’ve expected to concede at the last second with the opposition goalkeeper scoring. This team might look like it’s just wandering around not bothered by anything, but instead I saw a really downhearted side in the locker room today. We are Milan and must do more, because the current level is not enough. It was my first game on the Milan bench, a side I represented for many years. I had thought we’d done it, but instead we made a naïve mistake giving away that free kick with Ignazio Abate.

“It hurts and we are here licking our wounds.”

Brignoli is on loan from Juventus, something that’s sure to annoy Rossoneri fans even more.

He’s the first goalkeeper to score in Serie A since Massimo Taibi did it for Reggina against Udinese in 2001, following his ill-fated stint with Manchester United.

Italy: Benevento Calcio v AC Milan - Serie A NurPhoto NurPhoto

“It would be egotistical to talk too much about me, as it’s for everyone,” Brignoli said after the game.

“I thought, ‘It’s 2-1, the 95th minute, we have nothing to lose’. So, I went up there, closed my eyes and jumped. It was a goalkeeper’s dive rather than a striker’s!”

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

Goalkeeper scores 95th minute equaliser to give Benevento first ever point in Serie A

Gennaro Gattuso takes over from Vincenzo Montella as AC Milan boss

Your Voice
Readers Comments
3
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel