AC Milan failed to claim a much-needed win at Roma - but the
Rossoneri's performance filled their coach Leonardo with enormous
pride.
Saturday's goalless draw left Milan in second place and three
points behind Inter Milan, who host Genoa on Sunday.
"The team deserved much more, even though Roma dominated the
opening quarter," said Leonardo. "But in the second half the team
was exceptional in every aspect of the game. We nearly scored, but
the performance was extraordinary.
"I repeat, the team has done very well and the only regret is
not to have taken home three points.
"We leave Roma bitter with this result but I see my players
very united and this is a nice feeling."
Milan were without their top scorer Alexandre Pato, who is
hoping to recover from a hamstring injury in time for next week's
Champions League clash at Manchester United.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar, who replaced Pato in the starting XI,
had a few chances but failed to score.
"I am satisfied with Huntelaar's performance," Leonardo said.
"He did well and he is in good form physically."
England midfielder David Beckham started on the bench but
played in the second half.
"The goalless draw is not a good result but we cannot throw
it away," he said. "We are disappointed because we had so many
opportunities to score.
"We have been superior to Roma but unfortunately that was not
enough."
Beckham nevertheless believes his team can put this setback
behind them when they take on his former club Manchester United.
The Rossoneri must overcome a 3-2 deficit at Old Trafford to
reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
"We can get the job done in Manchester," said Beckham. "Even
though to win 2-0 at Old Trafford will be very, very difficult.
"This will be a special game for me."
As for Roma, they have now had two straight draws and still
trail Milan by two points.
"We started well but Milan then took control," Roma coach
Claudio Ranieri said. "When Milan play like that, it's very
difficult.
"It has been a very difficult game and we haven't seen a
superb Roma but I am nevertheless satisfied.
"At times you need to accept the result, especially when you
know your team is not 100%. Milan has great quality and it's hard
to keep up with them."
