Ranieri: ‘Milan cut through Cagliari like a knife through butter’

Claudio Ranieri explains what Cagliari got wrong in the 5-1 defeat to Milan and recognises the importance of next week’s relegation showdown with Sassuolo.

The Sardinians knew it would be tough to pick up points here, but had given their best against the big clubs in recent weeks, beating Atalanta, then holding both Inter and Juventus to 2-2 draws.

They were only trailing 1-0 here to Ismael Bennacer’s opener, then 2-1 when Nahitan Nandez replied to Christian Pulisic.

However, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing some tough Marco Sportiello saves proved the luck Milan needed to run riot and win 5-1.

“The result seems a little harsh, but Milan scored five goals because they are talented. We were a bit too timid in the first half and should’ve tried to cause them more problems,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

“In the second half, we pushed harder, created chances, hit the woodwork and forced saves, but then Leao and Theo Hernandez ran riot in those open spaces, we knew they could hurt us in those situations.

“We knew this was a Joker in the pack, whatever happened we would accept it. For long spells we did play well, albeit without the confidence to attack them, as by the time we did the spaces had opened up and they took full advantage. They cut into us like a knife through butter.

“It’s a pity, as we could’ve made more of our situations, especially a counter-attack where Zito Luvumbo passed it backwards rather than sending Shomurodov on goal. He’s young, but very talented and still learning.

“I feel like we scored the right number of goals this season, but conceded a few too many for my liking.”

Ranieri on crucial game for Cagliari

Lecce are now mathematically safe from relegation, but Cagliari have a tough run-in against Sassuolo and Fiorentina.

“Now there is a huge game against Sassuolo and I think a lot will be decided then. There are two matches left, we will prepare well and try to do our best.”

Both sets of players marked Mother’s Day by having their maternal surnames on their jerseys this evening, so Ranieri was asked if his beloved mother Renata would have some advice on how to deal with this tense end to the season.

“She’d say just do what you always did. She would say nothing more. She used to tell me off for not playing Duff at Chelsea!”

Ranieri was a coach for Stefano Pioli, so gave him a warm hug on the touchline.

“I am always glad to see him. I’m sorry he is going through these current difficulties, but we coaches know this is part of the game, when you win you are the best, when things don’t go right, we get all the blame. We accept it and carry on.”

Ranieri also spoke to DAZN and was asked about the fact his old Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy was in the stands for Como’s promotion to Serie A last night. Should Vardy come to Italy to play?

“He’s already getting on a bit and knows the English defences very well, so it’s best he stays there.”