Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 7y

M'Baye Niang: Gianluca Lapadula can step up for next AC Milan penalty

M'Baye Niang has said he will let Gianluca Lapadula take on AC Milan penalty duties after missing two in a row.

With Carlos Bacca injured, Niang is Milan's designated penalty taker -- but he failed from the spot in the win over Crotone after a discussion with the in-form Lapadula over who should take it.

He then saw Wojciech Szczesny deny him against Roma on Monday night as Milan lost 1-0, and said he would not block Lapadula if he wants to take the next one.

"I took the responsibility and I'm really sorry [about missing]," Niang told Milan TV. "In moments like these, you have just got to get your head down and work hard.

"There are no problems [between me and Lapadula]. What happened happened. He encouraged me after what happened [against Roma] and told me not to worry.

"If we get another penalty, I will make sure he takes it. He deserves it."

Niang said Milan had played well at Roma and "need to carry on like this," but added: "The only disappointing thing is that they scored with their only shot on goal."

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