Defender Rafael Toloi opened the scoring in the match against Sampdoria, a well organised, physical and dangerous side on the counter-attack. It was highly satisfying for Rafael to score the opener that gave the Nerazzurri the lead: “I’m happy with my goal, which is dedicated to my dad who is celebrating his birthday today”.

Here is the post-match interview.

Awesome Rafael Toloi, you jumped higher than anyone and unlocked a really complicated game.

It was a really difficult match because we faced a well organised side, very physical and dangerous on the counter-attack. But we were really good. We dominated the match and I’m really glad for the goal. It was a special one for me, as today’s my father’s birthday in Brazil. It was a way to make him a gift.

Sampdoria were the only team you hadn’t scored against.

Like I said, they are an organised side. They play really well, defend well and have physical players. We played a great match and deserved to win, we must continue to be strong. Every game we still have to face will be decisive.

Another win, the ninth in a row, as a mature team and the third consecutive game keeping a clean sheet.

It’s really important for us also not to concede goals. It was like it today, we defended very well again, the whole squad. It’s important to win, we want to keep going like this. This must be the mentality. We are really happy. Every game for us is decisive, we must think game by game. We are facing Juventus on Saturday, who are a very strong side. We must play a great match against them as well.

There’ll be the UCL final eight draw on Friday: Rafa, do you have any preference?

No, I don’t. Because they’re all strong teams. We have much time before thinking about the Champions League. Now we must keep going strong in the league, because we want to do well in all the games remaining.