Saponara grateful for first-team return, disappointed with Milan result

It was a bitter-sweet return to first-team action for Riccardo Saponara on Sunday night. He scored and provided an assist in what turned out to be a disappointing defeat for Doria.

“It’s a shame – there were quite a few shortcomings in our game tonight, particularly at the back and how we dealt with their switches of play,” he said after the game.

“We did well to get take back control of the match, but errors crept in. It’s a shame to leave without any points after a performance like that.”

The midfielder was also grateful to make his return to the starting line-up: “I didn’t expect to start – the boss was clearly happy with me and made that decision. I’m thankful to him, I really am.

“I still need to improve, particularly from a physical standpoint. My energy level dropped in the second half.

“I’m grateful also to the president for what he’s had to say. He’s showed real faith in me since the get-go. I’ll repay that. Now we turn our attentions to Torino.”