Serie A: Head coach Stefano Pioli identifies key issues plaguing struggling AC Milan side after draw against Lecce

Rome: Stefano Pioli has his work cut out for him at struggling AC Milan. [caption id=“attachment_7532361” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of Stefano Pioli. AP[/caption] One match into his new job as coach and he knows things need to improve. The Rossoneri twice allowed promoted Lecce to equalize in a 2-2 draw at home on Sunday in Pioli’s debut after taking over for the fired Marco Giampaolo. “I saw a lot of positive things: our spirit, generosity and skill levels were good but then there were some things I didn’t like. We made mistakes in the two areas which didn’t allow us to close the game out and not concede goals,” Pioli said. “It’s time to stop talking about a ‘young Milan’ or ‘old Milan.’ We’re Milan and we’ve got to wear this shirt with honor and pride.” Hakan Calhanoglu had put Milan ahead early on before Khouma Babacar equalized with a penalty after the break. Calhanoglu also set up a goal for Krzysztof Piatek, who broke out of a scoring slump. Marco Calderoni scored the final goal for Lecce in stoppage time. “We should have closed the match earlier,” Pioli said. “We deserved to win but we didn’t get the three points due to our own faults. We weren’t attentive on their second goal.” The draw, coming on Pioli’s 54th birthday, left Milan in 12th place.