Scott Brown targeted as Italian media reacts to AC Milan's 3-1 win at Celtic

Celtic’s Europa League loss to AC Milan last night has triggered much discussion in the Italian media. Stefano Pioli’s side have started the Serie A season strongly and have kept up their form ahead of Monday night’s clash with Roma.

La Gazetta dello Sport claimed Scott Brown would 'only be remembered for a couple of spats with Zlatan Ibrahimovic'

The press in Italy, however, also had plenty to say about Celtic’s performance. We’ve picked out a selection of comments and reaction.

La Gazetta dello Sport provided a series of largely scathing player ratings, prefacing the remarks with the comment: “A bad period, from Covid-19 problems to painful defeats, moles in the dressing room to tactical accusations. This defeat rubbed salt in the wound.”

The publication highlighted substitute Mohamed Elyounoussi as Celtic’s stand-out player, commenting: “Lennon threw him on at the start of the second half in a bid to strengthen the attack. He fulfilled the task wide left, and scored the goal that had been eluding Celtic.”

Defender Shane Duffy was designated “il peggiore” – literally, “the worst”, with La Gazetta effectively blaming him for all three of Milan’s goals: “Posted missing for Krunic’s goal, then let Hauge escape for the third. Not good at the second, either.”

There was faint praise for Kristoffer Ajer – “we can see now why Milan were interested in him” – but captain Scott Brown was filleted by journalist Marco Pasotto.

"He should be half-bulwark, and half-conductor, but was unable to do either. In the end, his only contribution of note was a couple of spats with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”

Pasotto added: “Celtic competed until the first goal, then fell apart. The defence needs work, with individual and collective mistakes.”

Also writing in La Gazetta, Sebastiano Vernazza focused on the importance of Ibrahimovic.

"In this match the opponents played two games; one against Milan and another against Zlatan. Pioli was right to replace him – he must be preserved, even if Milan lost a bit of focus after he went off before Hauge’s goal.

"Dependence on Ibra is the weak point of this reborn Milan side, the price you pay to be competitive.”

Tuttosport carried post-match comments from Pioli: “After the derby there was a risk of having less incentive but we want to win every game. The secret? Everyone works together and is pulling in the same direction. Everyone has a key part to play.”

Leggo praised Pioli and the Rossoneri with their correspondent enthusing: “AC Milan are serious about the Europa League, not just Serie A.

“Stefano Pioli’s side won at Celtic thanks to goals from Krunic, Brahim Diaz, and Hauge – proof that the Rossoneri are in good shape and have no intention of slowing down.

"Milan were organised, and had clear ideas. The Hernandez-Ibrahimovic axis works wonders and leads to Brahim Diaz's goal at the end of the first half.

“Pioli can now think of Roma, and Monday's match at the San Siro – he hasn’t lost in 21 official matches.”

Writing in La Repubblica, Giacomo Luchini wrote: “Even without goals from the talismanic Ibrahimovic, Milan keep on winning. In the first Europa League group stage match, the Rossoneri beat Celtic 3-1.

"In the second half the Scots, although camped in the opposing half of the pitch, struggled to create chances.

"The technical gap between the teams is evident and Hauge’s third goal reaffirmed Milan’s superiority.”

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