De Winter: Milan Must Be More Mature to Avoid Costly Draws

FolioPitch.com – 12 October 2026 | AC Milan defender Koni De Winter has called on his teammates to show greater maturity in key moments after the Rossoneri were held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo on Sunday evening. The Belgian international, who was introduced as a first-half substitute for the injured Matteo Gabbia, spoke to TeleLombardia after the match and admitted that We need to be more mature De Winter admits Milan must work on details if they are to challenge for the Serie A title this season.

The draw leaves Milan unbeaten after six league games but with dropped points that see them fall further behind the early pacesetters. Adrien Rabiot had given the visitors the lead just after the hour mark, only for Odenthal to bundle in a corner from close range and level the scores. It was a familiar story for Milan, who have now conceded from set-pieces in consecutive matches.

Gabbia Injury Overshadows Performance

De Winter was left out of the starting line-up by head coach Ruben Amorim, who preferred to give Matteo Gabbia a start in the heart of defence. However, the Italian was stretchered off in the first half with what appeared to be a serious muscle issue, forcing De Winter into action earlier than expected. The Belgian expressed his concern for his teammate: “I don’t know what happened yet, but I hope he makes a good and quick recovery: we’re waiting for him.”

The injury to Gabbia is a significant blow for Milan, who are already dealing with a congested fixture list. With the Europa League campaign set to resume, Amorim will need to rotate his squad carefully to avoid further injuries. De Winter’s versatility will be crucial in the coming weeks, but the defender knows that the team must improve collectively.

Defensive Lapses Cost Milan Again

When asked about the goal conceded from the corner, De Winter was candid: “Yes, of course. In phases like this, We need to be more mature De Winter admits Milan must work on details. Matches are also decided on details like these.” It was a moment of lost concentration that proved costly, as Milan had looked comfortable after taking the lead. The Belgian’s words echo the sentiments of many Milan fans who have grown frustrated with the team’s inability to close out games.

The disappointment was palpable in De Winter’s voice as he reflected on the result: “We’re disappointed because we dropped points. We try to win every game, and that’s where the disappointment comes from.” Despite the setback, the defender remains optimistic about the season ahead: “We gave it our all. Let’s learn from this match and move on to the next one. It’s still early in the season, and there are still a lot of games to go.”

Unbeaten Run Provides Foundation

While the draw feels like two points dropped, Milan’s unbeaten start to the season is still a positive platform to build on. The Rossoneri have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in attack, but defensive solidity has been an issue. De Winter acknowledges that the team must strike a balance between ambition and caution.

“We need to be more mature De Winter admits Milan must work on details,” he reiterated, emphasizing that the margin between victory and draw is often razor-thin. “In this league, every mistake can cost you. We have to stay focused for the full 90 minutes and not switch off after scoring.”

Next up for Milan is a Europa League clash against Salzburg, a match that De Winter believes is a good opportunity to return to winning ways. “It’s always nice to play. We have a lot of games now, and we’re trying to stay as healthy as possible. Let’s keep going as we’re doing,” he said. The Belgian’s positive attitude will be important as Milan navigate a demanding schedule.

Conclusion

Koni De Winter’s assessment is clear: Milan have the talent but lack the maturity to consistently see out games. The draw against Sassuolo serves as another reminder that in Serie A, success hinges on fine margins. As the season progresses, Amorim and his staff must address these details on the training ground. If they can do so, Milan’s unbeaten run could transform into a genuine title challenge. For now, the Rossoneri must regroup and prepare for a crucial Europa League fixture, knowing that every point will count in the long run.