Pioli’s men tasted defeat in the league for the first time since March 2020; a run of 27 Serie A matches.
Federico Chiesa put Juventus ahead inside the opening 18 minutes after a sumptuous pass from Paulo Dybala but Davide Calabria, who was deployed in midfield, pulled parity for the hosts on the 41st minute mark.
Chiesa restored the Bianconeri’s lead midway through the game and Weston McKennie’s effort on 76 minutes made sure Milan taste their first defeat of the season after 16 games.
However, AC Milan remain top of the table, due to Inter Milan’s shocking 2-1 defeat by Sampdoria.
“We have to tip our hats and give credit to our opponents for managing to get back in front,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“We did what we needed to, created chances and inevitably allowed some too, but after going behind for the second time, it became more difficult to get back into it.
“We’ll evaluate a few defensive situations where we could’ve done better, but the team approached this game with generosity, determination and concentration.
“Their goalkeeper made a great save on Diogo Dalot when it was 1-1, then they went 2-1 up and it became an uphill struggle.”
AC Milan were without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ismael Bennacer, Sandro Tonali, Alexis Saelemaekers, Matteo Gabbia, then Ante Rebic and Rade Krunic were diagnosed with COVID-19 hours before the game.
“Many teams would struggle missing that many players, but although we had to change things, we tried to maintain our identity and I think we did that,” continued the coach.
“It was a very even game up until the second Juventus goal and I feel that’s the moment that changed it.
“The team could’ve been frightened by the situation, we found out last night that these two players couldn’t participate, but we held onto our values and identity.
“We knew Juventus could take advantage of the situation, as they’ve won the last nine Serie A titles, but we held out well overall.
“We were penalised by their quality in situations where we could’ve been a little more concentrated.”
“I too am convinced we should be ambitious, that we should leave this evening confident that we can fight it out to the end, because we’ve got what it takes.
“Having maintained that level of performance all the way through, in these circumstances, says a great deal about how good a team this Milan is.”
