El Shaarawy: “The important thing is that the team won” Niang: “Kaka is a great player, we all have to improve”

STEPHAN EL SHAARAWY hopes to team up with Kaka while Giampaolo Pazzini wants to score more.

Milan are moving closer to a place in Europe as they are currently sixth in the Serie A standing (they will stay sixth as long as Roma don’t beat Inter tonight) after beating Bologna 2-1 today at Stadio San Siro.

Giampaolo Pazzini was on target twice for the Rossoneri in a match where Milan attacked well and could’ve scored a few more goals. El Shaarawy didn’t score again but claims the win is more important.

Highlights: Milan 2-1 Bologna
Milan-Bologna: Official line-ups

“Three very important points, as the points from the rest of the games will be as well. We’re very happy with the win and the performance. We created a lot of goal scoring chances,” Stephan El Shaarawy told Milan Channel after the game. “Niang is doing very well, he played well in Genoa against Sampdoria as well.

“We created more than them and that paid off with Pazzini’s goal. I’m happy for Niang. I’m never satisfied. I made some chances and I’m just disappointed I didn’t score but that’s okay and I’m happy with the win. We had an advantage as we had the whole week to prepare for the game. I would have preferred to score if I’m honest but the performance was pleasing. We’ll now think of the next game and of getting the next points.

“The important thing is that the team won and if it’s me who scores or someone else, that’s not important. I think Constant is a great player and he put in a great performance today. He’s great qualities and there’s a good understanding between us and with Boateng on the left,” he added. “I really hope that the deal for Kaka goes through. He was always my hero and playing alongside him would be a dream come true.”

One player who has been particularly impressive in the last two games for Milan is M’Baye Niang. The 18-year-old played from the start against Sampdoria and Bologna and was one of the best players.

“I’m happy to have made my debut in Serie A and I’m happy with the result as well. El Shaarawy and I worked hard for the team here today, we did well and we won. We all have to improve and every day we work hard at that,” said Niang, whose only goal for Milan came in the Coppa Italia. “Kaka is a great player and if he came, that would definitely be a good thing. Balotelli would bring experience to the club as well.”

One surprise start was the one of Mathieu Flamini, who featured in less than 10 Milan games this term, was preferred over Antonio Nocerino in midfield. He was subbed off for Bakaye Traoré later in the game.

“Personally, I’m very happy with my performance and of course for the win, it was really important. I think we have to stay focused on ourselves and work hard. Against Atalanta for the next game will be anything but easy,”  the former Arsenal and France national team player told Milan Channel after the Bologna match.

“It’s useful to have the whole week to work before the game as you can prepare well and you can see that on the pitch. We created a lot. Ricky is a champion and if he comes back, that’s a positive thing for us.”

The star of the clash between Milan and Bologna was again Pazzini. After scoring a hat-trick earlier this season to beat the Rossoblù he today scored the 2 goals that won the match. “I’m happy, everyone here treats me well. They’ve always shown faith in me and I’m happy when I can repay this faith,” Pazzo said.

“I’ve been able to work well for the last few weeks. I’m happy because my performance was decisive. I hope I can continue to score big goals and help the team towards important objectives. We had a good first half but we didn’t score. The second goal was better than the first but the first allowed us to open the game up. It’s important for me to do well for Milan because the club believed in me and if I can repay that by scoring then that’s great. I’m on 10 goals even if I haven’t always played and have had a couple of injuries.

“Niang has very important qualities. As he’s young, he needs to learn tactically, but that’s normal. We’re all on his side though. I’ve done well against Bologna this season. Riccardo Montolivo (who played the regista role today) is a strong player, very intelligent and he can play in that role in front of the defense We’re all very curious to see if Kakà will come. If he does he’ll be welcomed with open arms and he’ll help us out.

“I think a lot about the national team and if I score enough, the coach will have to call me up. It’ll be a tough match in Bergamo as Atalanta at home is a tough team to face,” concluded the 28-year-old Milan forward.