Stefano Pioli was disappointed with Milan’s 0-0 draw at Empoli, believing it signaled a return to normalcy after their previous 4-0 win over Serie A leaders Napoli.
The San Siro visitors put the Rossoneri in a dead end on Friday, missing out on a chance to secure their place in the top four after Inter also drew at Salernitana.
Having stunned runaway title favorites Napoli 4-0 in their own match last Sunday, Milan failed to score this time despite 23 shots, though only four were on target.
Pioli felt that his team had done their best, but also suggested that their performance reflected some kind of expected downfall.
“This is not the result we wanted,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We needed to play better in the first half. We played with great intensity.
“We were a little behind them, and in the second half we did everything (we should have). The ball just didn’t want to go in.
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“Strikers are expected to score goals if we create chances. We needed to fill the area better. Something was missing for us to win.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve played with this level of energy and intensity and I’m sorry. We wanted to win again after Napoli.
“But, in my opinion, we are returning to the level (where we should be). We need to improve our game and we are doing it.”
Milan will face Napoli again next week, this time the pair will face off in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the San Siro.