Szczesny pinpoints mentality, not quality, as the difference

The goalkeeper had a fine individual performance but was unable to keep out Gonzalo Higuain’s early effort, a strike that proved to be the winner as the Giallorossi – despite dominating large parts of the remainder of the game – were unable to strike back.

And Szczesny acknowledged that a slow start had cost his team.

“I think most of all they started much better than us – and it made a difference,” Szczesny said. “They scored early on and they had great qualities defensively to protect the result.

“It was a well-balanced game, we matched them well, but we couldn’t score goals. It’s very disappointing.

“We had a chance today to show we are a great team that play for a great club – I think this showed we are a very good team, but not able to call ourselves a great one just yet.”

When pushed on what was the difference between the two sides, the Poland international believed it was a question of mentality and not technical ability.

“They have the mentality of champions,” the goalkeeper added. “And, as much as it hurts me to say that, we still have to work on that. I don’t see a difference in quality, but I see a difference in mentality.

“That is disappointing – but we have to realise that and work on being more mature; men rather than boys on the pitch. I think today that is what came out.”