Allegri coy on Pato

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is yet to rule out Alexandre Pato for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with BATE Borisov.

Pato has been out of action for four weeks with a thigh complaint sustained in last month’s 1-1 draw with Udinese. The Brazilian striker is now approaching full fitness, but Allegri is reluctant to risk him at San Siro unless he is 100 per cent ready.

“Pato is much better, but it is a situation which has to be assessed day by day, and with injuries like this it’s better to be careful,” he told the club’s official website.

Allegri did confirm that Mark van Bommel is available for selection but that Massimo Ambrosini will not feature. There are also ongoing doubts over the participation of Clarence Seedorf and Thiago Silva.

“I’ll have to evaluate training (on Tuesday),” he mused.

“Seedorf has not trained with the rest of the squad for the past two days, Thiago Silva did not train (on Monday), Van Bommel’s fine, but I do not think Ambrosini will be fit.”

Allegri confirmed that Antonio Cassano will start, with the enigmatic Italian international currently in great form.

“Antonio is doing very well,” the Milan tactician said.

“He is in excellent physical condition and is working hard even when the team needs to retrieve the ball, and it makes me very happy.”

Allegri has also been buoyed by the way in which his side responded to their tame capitulation at the hands of Juventus just before the international break, in routing Palermo 3-0 at San Siro on Saturday.

“Milan messed up in Turin. Saturday was a match of real intensity, quality and great technique in attack and, above all, defence,” he said.

“It may be that Saturday’s game kick-starts our season: we had a good win and now we will have a crucial month in terms of the Champions League and Serie A.”

However, despite his renewed optimism, Allegri is not underestimating the threat posed by their opponents on Wednesday night.

“Tomorrow we will face a team that will take away space, which defends in an organised fashion. They’re young and in good shape.”

“We must play with respect, strength and great technique. We start as usual from 0-0, so we need to play a great game. Otherwise, like against Viktoria Plzen, we will give away 10-12 shots on goal: this cannot happen tomorrow.”

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Allegri delighted with derby win

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was full of praise for his team after the 3-0 demolition of arch rivals Inter in the Milan derby on Saturday.

But he still had time to tell off star midfielder Antonio Cassano, who was sent off after scoring a late penalty which wrapped up the result.

?It?s a shame about Cassano and unfortunately there is this habit of taking your shirt off to celebrate. Antonio knew that was the case and could?ve avoided the foul later on,” Allegri said.

Cassano received two yellow cards for celebrating by taking his shirt off and then fouling Ivan Cordoba.

But Allegri preferred to concentrate on the positive points from the win, of which there were many.

“It is not the game that wins the Scudetto, even if we?ve given our table a good boost,? he said.

“After the last few weeks this success can be a psychological turning point. We were too slow in the first half and didn?t finish off our moves, while we did better after the break.”

The victory is more than deserved and the team did a great job.?

Alexandre Pato, who scored twice, and Clarence Seedorf were singled out.

“Pato had a great game and was very good at attacking the two Inter centre-backs,? continued Allegri.

“Robinho had some important opportunities to score, but overall played a good game. Seedorf?s performance was extraordinary, showing all his quality.?

Milan were top of the table, but felt like the underdogs before this derby, having picked up one point from two games against Bari and Palermo.

?I gave the lads some suggestions and they tried to follow my requests. They played very well, proving the games against Bari and Palermo were just blips, albeit ones that are sometimes necessary,? Allegri said.

Inter Milan coach Leonardo said he had not given up on the Scudetto but it would be tougher now.

“I don’t think we have surrendered, but five points in seven games is a lot. However, anything can happen,” Leonardo said.

“Their goal after one minute made our game plan jump, and for 20 minutes we just weren’t there mentally.”

“We tried to get back into the match and hoped for a better second half, but Cristian Chivu’s dismissal conditioned our chances of recovering.”

“We really struggled in front of goal and we couldn’t find the space to create. There was little movement and no action.”

Inter face Schalke on Tuesday in the Champions League and Leonardo added that he was keen to focus on that.

“Now we have to think about Schalke,” he said.

”We have lots of positive things to look forward to, so let’s do that. We take this defeat and dive into the Champions League now.”

Sun 3 April, 2011

Allegri delighted with derby win

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was full of praise for his team after the 3-0 demolition of arch rivals Inter in the Milan derby on Saturday.

But he still had time to tell off star midfielder Antonio Cassano, who was sent off after scoring a late penalty which wrapped up the result.

?It?s a shame about Cassano and unfortunately there is this habit of taking your shirt off to celebrate. Antonio knew that was the case and could?ve avoided the foul later on,” Allegri said.

Cassano received two yellow cards for celebrating by taking his shirt off and then fouling Ivan Cordoba.

But Allegri preferred to concentrate on the positive points from the win, of which there were many.

“It is not the game that wins the Scudetto, even if we?ve given our table a good boost,? he said.

“After the last few weeks this success can be a psychological turning point. We were too slow in the first half and didn?t finish off our moves, while we did better after the break.”

The victory is more than deserved and the team did a great job.?

Alexandre Pato, who scored twice, and Clarence Seedorf were singled out.

“Pato had a great game and was very good at attacking the two Inter centre-backs,? continued Allegri.

“Robinho had some important opportunities to score, but overall played a good game. Seedorf?s performance was extraordinary, showing all his quality.?

Milan were top of the table, but felt like the underdogs before this derby, having picked up one point from two games against Bari and Palermo.

?I gave the lads some suggestions and they tried to follow my requests. They played very well, proving the games against Bari and Palermo were just blips, albeit ones that are sometimes necessary,? Allegri said.

Inter Milan coach Leonardo said he had not given up on the Scudetto but it would be tougher now.

“I don’t think we have surrendered, but five points in seven games is a lot. However, anything can happen,” Leonardo said.

“Their goal after one minute made our game plan jump, and for 20 minutes we just weren’t there mentally.”

“We tried to get back into the match and hoped for a better second half, but Cristian Chivu’s dismissal conditioned our chances of recovering.”

“We really struggled in front of goal and we couldn’t find the space to create. There was little movement and no action.”

Inter face Schalke on Tuesday in the Champions League and Leonardo added that he was keen to focus on that.

“Now we have to think about Schalke,” he said.

”We have lots of positive things to look forward to, so let’s do that. We take this defeat and dive into the Champions League now.”

Sun 3 April, 2011

Allegri still confident of Milan triumph

Massimiliano Allegri has refused to panic after his side’s loss at Palermo on Saturday, saying AC Milan are still confident of Scudetto glory.

Allegri watched on as a sluggish Rossoneri conceded a 10th-minute opener from Dorian Goian and were never able to redress the balance.

The loss leaves Milan’s lead in Serie A in a perilous position, with Inter Milan able to draw within two points of their city rivals with a win over lowly Lecce on Sunday.

Napoli also have the opportunity to put themselves just three points behind Milan when they host Cagliari.

But Allegri, whose side has taken just one point of a possible six in their last two matches, said it is too early to start worrying about other sides.

“Going down early on was not helpful and we didn’t play well in the first half, especially the final third,” the Milan boss said.

“It was better after the break, although considering all our possession we didn’t have enough shots on target.”

“Although it was better to avoid it, a defeat can happen. Fortunately we are going into the break for international duty now and have time to get our ideas in order.”

“In any case, we are still top of the table, and we’ll see what Inter and Napoli do tomorrow.”

Milan were without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the trip to Palermo as the Swede serves a three-match ban, but Allegri refused to blame the loss on his absent striker.

“There’s no point talking about how important Ibra is for us,” Allegri said.

“Tonight we should’ve done more; we have to analyse what didn’t work.”

“Alexandre Pato and Antonio Cassano were playing as a pair for the first time, so it’s natural it’d take a while to settle.”

“I had to look at the full 90 minutes, as Robinho is tired and Kevin-Prince Boateng cannot play a full game at the moment.”

“I remain convinced Milan are the favourites for the Scudetto, so even if things go badly, we’ll still be two points in front.”

Sun 20 March, 2011

Allegri still confident of Milan triumph

Massimiliano Allegri has refused to panic after his side’s loss at Palermo on Saturday, saying AC Milan are still confident of Scudetto glory.

Allegri watched on as a sluggish Rossoneri conceded a 10th-minute opener from Dorian Goian and were never able to redress the balance.

The loss leaves Milan’s lead in Serie A in a perilous position, with Inter Milan able to draw within two points of their city rivals with a win over lowly Lecce on Sunday.

Napoli also have the opportunity to put themselves just three points behind Milan when they host Cagliari.

But Allegri, whose side has taken just one point of a possible six in their last two matches, said it is too early to start worrying about other sides.

“Going down early on was not helpful and we didn’t play well in the first half, especially the final third,” the Milan boss said.

“It was better after the break, although considering all our possession we didn’t have enough shots on target.”

“Although it was better to avoid it, a defeat can happen. Fortunately we are going into the break for international duty now and have time to get our ideas in order.”

“In any case, we are still top of the table, and we’ll see what Inter and Napoli do tomorrow.”

Milan were without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the trip to Palermo as the Swede serves a three-match ban, but Allegri refused to blame the loss on his absent striker.

“There’s no point talking about how important Ibra is for us,” Allegri said.

“Tonight we should’ve done more; we have to analyse what didn’t work.”

“Alexandre Pato and Antonio Cassano were playing as a pair for the first time, so it’s natural it’d take a while to settle.”

“I had to look at the full 90 minutes, as Robinho is tired and Kevin-Prince Boateng cannot play a full game at the moment.”

“I remain convinced Milan are the favourites for the Scudetto, so even if things go badly, we’ll still be two points in front.”

Sun 20 March, 2011

Allegri cautious ahead of Palermo trip

AC Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri will be not underestimate Palermo when he takes his Serie A leaders to the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Allegri’s team top the Italian top-flight table by five points ahead of defending champions and cross-city rivals Inter Milan.

They could only draw 1-1 at home to Bari in their last match, but should have little trouble dispensing with a Palermo team that have lost five consecutive matches.

Nevertheless, Allegri and his players must leave nothing to chance as they seek to capture their first Scudetto since 2004.

“(Palermo manager) Serse Cosmi is a prepared coach who knows how to manage his team,” Allegri said.

“It will be difficult because Palermo are coming off five straight defeats. They are playing at home and are a team in possession of undeniable technical qualities in midfield and in attack.”

“We’ll find an opponent who can create a lot of difficulties for us. We know that they don’t joke in attack.”

“Yes, the numbers says that on a defensive level they concede something, but every game is different. Milan will need to give a great technical performance.”

“Palermo have players who can make the difference like Pastore, Miccoli and Pinilla, but I wouldn’t like to forget that we have Nesta, Thiago Silva, Pato and Seedorf.”

“The team is good and if we manage to stay calm and collected at the Barbera we will give a great performance.”

Fri 18 March, 2011

Allegri cautious ahead of Palermo trip

AC Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri will be not underestimate Palermo when he takes his Serie A leaders to the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Allegri’s team top the Italian top-flight table by five points ahead of defending champions and cross-city rivals Inter Milan.

They could only draw 1-1 at home to Bari in their last match, but should have little trouble dispensing with a Palermo team that have lost five consecutive matches.

Nevertheless, Allegri and his players must leave nothing to chance as they seek to capture their first Scudetto since 2004.

“(Palermo manager) Serse Cosmi is a prepared coach who knows how to manage his team,” Allegri said.

“It will be difficult because Palermo are coming off five straight defeats. They are playing at home and are a team in possession of undeniable technical qualities in midfield and in attack.”

“We’ll find an opponent who can create a lot of difficulties for us. We know that they don’t joke in attack.”

“Yes, the numbers says that on a defensive level they concede something, but every game is different. Milan will need to give a great technical performance.”

“Palermo have players who can make the difference like Pastore, Miccoli and Pinilla, but I wouldn’t like to forget that we have Nesta, Thiago Silva, Pato and Seedorf.”

“The team is good and if we manage to stay calm and collected at the Barbera we will give a great performance.”

Fri 18 March, 2011

Forget the past, says Allegri

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has called on his players to forget their Champions League exit and return to Serie A renewed on Sunday.

Milan face bottom-placed Bari at the San Siro, and received a pleasant surprise on Friday when Inter Milan could only draw at Brescia.

That result means Milan can spring seven points clear of their city rivals on the league table with a positive result against Bari, who have managed just one win and two draws away from home all season.

Allegri acknowledged his players were weary after their Champions League defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday, but said he hoped to see a renewed intensity when Milan take to their home pitch on Sunday.

“We must play with great commitment, knowing we need to give our best in order to win,” Allegri said.

“We cannot think we can defeat Bari with minimum effort.”

“Of course players start to be tired at this time of the season but I think the team is fit; they proved it on Wednesday.”

“We have a positive attitude and it should be like this, it should be a good competition. (Friday’s) training for example was very intense, even if it was not much time after the Champions League game.”

“Everyone was sorry on Wednesday after being knocked out. AC Milan was not only aiming to win the Serie A title, we aimed to win Champions League and we aim to win Coppa Italia too.”

“At this point of the season in Champions League you’re in or you’re out and AC Milan did everything to remain in.”

Sun 13 March, 2011

Forget the past, says Allegri

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has called on his players to forget their Champions League exit and return to Serie A renewed on Sunday.

Milan face bottom-placed Bari at the San Siro, and received a pleasant surprise on Friday when Inter Milan could only draw at Brescia.

That result means Milan can spring seven points clear of their city rivals on the league table with a positive result against Bari, who have managed just one win and two draws away from home all season.

Allegri acknowledged his players were weary after their Champions League defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday, but said he hoped to see a renewed intensity when Milan take to their home pitch on Sunday.

“We must play with great commitment, knowing we need to give our best in order to win,” Allegri said.

“We cannot think we can defeat Bari with minimum effort.”

“Of course players start to be tired at this time of the season but I think the team is fit; they proved it on Wednesday.”

“We have a positive attitude and it should be like this, it should be a good competition. (Friday’s) training for example was very intense, even if it was not much time after the Champions League game.”

“Everyone was sorry on Wednesday after being knocked out. AC Milan was not only aiming to win the Serie A title, we aimed to win Champions League and we aim to win Coppa Italia too.”

“At this point of the season in Champions League you’re in or you’re out and AC Milan did everything to remain in.”

Sun 13 March, 2011

Allegri revels in Milan efforts

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri hailed his side’s performance as they beat title rivals Napoli 3-0 at the San Siro on Monday.

Allegri, whose side now leads the Serie A by five points from city rivals Inter, was particularly impressed with the determination and workrate of his players.

The result keeps Napoli in third place on the table, with the gap between the two sides now six points.

“We definitely played a great match tonight, with great determination,” Allegri said.

“I really liked my players’ attitude, in particular after going 1-0 up. They continued to play well trying to score again.”

“(I liked) the determination with which they played, the way we played our football and the willingness the players showed to sacrifice everything even when we didn’t have the ball.”

“I think we were the best team – in the second half we played very well. Not only did several players do very well, but as team we played very well and that’s the most important thing. If we play like a team we can beat everybody.”

Rumours of a falling out between star strikers Alexandre Pato and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who combined to set up Kevin Prince-Boateng for the game’s second goal – were hosed down by Allegri after the game.

“No, (there is) absolutely nothing wrong,” he said.

“They both played well tonight, together with Robinho in the first half and with Boateng in the second half.”

Boateng’s goal came in between Ibrahimovic’s 49th-minute penalty and Pato’s sealer in the 80th minute, with January signing Mark van Bommel going close to joining them on the scoresheet on several occasions.

The former Bayern Munich midfielder is still searching for his maiden strike for his new club, but the 33-year-old was still delighted to have extended their lead over Napoli on the Serie A table.

“Yeah of course but someone has to score and it’s not my first job to score, but if I get opportunities then I should score,” van Bommel said.

“My first chance was a big one and my second one I was a little bit unlucky with my shot.”

“It’s very important because they were second in the league – now it’s 6 points and we have to win because if we lose points Inter are coming close to us and now we have it a little bit easier until next Saturday.”

Milan have little time to relax, with a clash with Juventus on Saturday ahead of next Wednesday’s trip to London in a bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit to Tottenham in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Allegri’s men could perhaps be forgiven for already turning their attentions to the game at White Hart Lane, but the manager is adamant his side will not be getting ahead of itself.

“We have a match against Juventus before that, on Saturday,” Allegri said.

“Let’s think about that game first and then we’ll see about Tottenham.”

Tue 1 March, 2011

Allegri revels in Milan efforts

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri hailed his side’s performance as they beat title rivals Napoli 3-0 at the San Siro on Monday.

Allegri, whose side now leads the Serie A by five points from city rivals Inter, was particularly impressed with the determination and workrate of his players.

The result keeps Napoli in third place on the table, with the gap between the two sides now six points.

“We definitely played a great match tonight, with great determination,” Allegri said.

“I really liked my players’ attitude, in particular after going 1-0 up. They continued to play well trying to score again.”

“(I liked) the determination with which they played, the way we played our football and the willingness the players showed to sacrifice everything even when we didn’t have the ball.”

“I think we were the best team – in the second half we played very well. Not only did several players do very well, but as team we played very well and that’s the most important thing. If we play like a team we can beat everybody.”

Rumours of a falling out between star strikers Alexandre Pato and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who combined to set up Kevin Prince-Boateng for the game’s second goal – were hosed down by Allegri after the game.

“No, (there is) absolutely nothing wrong,” he said.

“They both played well tonight, together with Robinho in the first half and with Boateng in the second half.”

Boateng’s goal came in between Ibrahimovic’s 49th-minute penalty and Pato’s sealer in the 80th minute, with January signing Mark van Bommel going close to joining them on the scoresheet on several occasions.

The former Bayern Munich midfielder is still searching for his maiden strike for his new club, but the 33-year-old was still delighted to have extended their lead over Napoli on the Serie A table.

“Yeah of course but someone has to score and it’s not my first job to score, but if I get opportunities then I should score,” van Bommel said.

“My first chance was a big one and my second one I was a little bit unlucky with my shot.”

“It’s very important because they were second in the league – now it’s 6 points and we have to win because if we lose points Inter are coming close to us and now we have it a little bit easier until next Saturday.”

Milan have little time to relax, with a clash with Juventus on Saturday ahead of next Wednesday’s trip to London in a bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit to Tottenham in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Allegri’s men could perhaps be forgiven for already turning their attentions to the game at White Hart Lane, but the manager is adamant his side will not be getting ahead of itself.

“We have a match against Juventus before that, on Saturday,” Allegri said.

“Let’s think about that game first and then we’ll see about Tottenham.”

Tue 1 March, 2011

Allegri defends ´aggressive´ van Bommel

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri excused Serie A debutant Mark van Bommel for getting himself sent off in their win over Catania.

The league leaders extended their gap at the top of the table with a 2-0 away win, with both goals coming after van Bommel received his second yellow card early in the second half.

But Allegri put the poor discipline from the Dutchman down to a lack of league experience in Italy.

“It’s fair enough. The referees make decisions based on what they see and this is an example. Van Bommel should’ve been a bit sneakier, but it is his second game in Italian football,” Allegri said.

“These fouls are not generally sanctioned with a booking in Germany, but he is a generally aggressive player.”

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a hand in the first goal, before scoring the second himself, on both occasions linking with Brazilian star Robinho.

Allegri had nothing but praise for the 29-year-old Ibrahimovic.

“He is having the best season of his career in terms of intensity,” Allegri said.

“Ibra has a great deal of enthusiasm, feels like a leader and also knows how to defend, which is the most important thing. If he tracks back, then everyone else follows suit.”

Ibrahimovic said he believed Catania goaded van Bommel into a reckless foul to earn his second yellow card, but said it was karma that Milan managed to use the sending off to their advantage.

“It seemed as if the Catania players were looking for that second yellow card. They found it, but we won with character,” Ibrahimovic said.

“It’s a good sign for the season, as it shows we are doing everything possible to win. It was a tough game against an aggressive and gritty side.”

“In my view it was actually easier to play with 10 men, as that created more space for the forwards.”

Sun 30 January, 2011

Allegri defends ´aggressive´ van Bommel

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri excused Serie A debutant Mark van Bommel for getting himself sent off in their win over Catania.

The league leaders extended their gap at the top of the table with a 2-0 away win, with both goals coming after van Bommel received his second yellow card early in the second half.

But Allegri put the poor discipline from the Dutchman down to a lack of league experience in Italy.

“It’s fair enough. The referees make decisions based on what they see and this is an example. Van Bommel should’ve been a bit sneakier, but it is his second game in Italian football,” Allegri said.

“These fouls are not generally sanctioned with a booking in Germany, but he is a generally aggressive player.”

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a hand in the first goal, before scoring the second himself, on both occasions linking with Brazilian star Robinho.

Allegri had nothing but praise for the 29-year-old Ibrahimovic.

“He is having the best season of his career in terms of intensity,” Allegri said.

“Ibra has a great deal of enthusiasm, feels like a leader and also knows how to defend, which is the most important thing. If he tracks back, then everyone else follows suit.”

Ibrahimovic said he believed Catania goaded van Bommel into a reckless foul to earn his second yellow card, but said it was karma that Milan managed to use the sending off to their advantage.

“It seemed as if the Catania players were looking for that second yellow card. They found it, but we won with character,” Ibrahimovic said.

“It’s a good sign for the season, as it shows we are doing everything possible to win. It was a tough game against an aggressive and gritty side.”

“In my view it was actually easier to play with 10 men, as that created more space for the forwards.”

Sun 30 January, 2011

Allegri wary of Sampdoria threat

Massimiliano Allegri is predicting a match for the purists when his AC Milan side take on fellow entertainers Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.

Serie A league leaders Milan travel on Wednesday to Genoa to meet Sampdoria – ninth in the table – with a place in the cup’s semi-finals on offer.

Domenico Di Carlo’s side lost 1-0 to Lazio earlier this month, but they have also secured a 0-0 draw with Juventus, scored twice in a 2-2 draw with in-form Udinese and beaten Roma 2-1.

Such results leave Allegri under no illusions about the potential for an upset at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in the quarter-final.

“Well, first of all, tomorrow we’re playing in the quarter-final and it’s an important match,” Allegri said.

“We are up against Sampdoria and they know how to play football so hopefully we will both play well.”

“We have managed to win both our last matches in the Coppa Italia and in the league. We have scored five goals and have conceded none, this is an important point. We need to keep on playing this way and we need to keep giving 100 percent. In order to do this, great effort is necessary.”

Milan travel to Catania on Saturday intent on preserving or extending their four-point lead in the Italian title race, but for now Allegri would prefer to concentrate on the task at hand.

“We should focus on tomorrow’s match and not on the fact that we’ll be playing against Catania on Saturday evening,” Allegri said.

“When we focus and take it game at a time, we are able to achieve better results.”

Wed 26 January, 2011

Allegri wary of Sampdoria threat

Massimiliano Allegri is predicting a match for the purists when his AC Milan side take on fellow entertainers Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.

Serie A league leaders Milan travel on Wednesday to Genoa to meet Sampdoria – ninth in the table – with a place in the cup’s semi-finals on offer.

Domenico Di Carlo’s side lost 1-0 to Lazio earlier this month, but they have also secured a 0-0 draw with Juventus, scored twice in a 2-2 draw with in-form Udinese and beaten Roma 2-1.

Such results leave Allegri under no illusions about the potential for an upset at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in the quarter-final.

“Well, first of all, tomorrow we’re playing in the quarter-final and it’s an important match,” Allegri said.

“We are up against Sampdoria and they know how to play football so hopefully we will both play well.”

“We have managed to win both our last matches in the Coppa Italia and in the league. We have scored five goals and have conceded none, this is an important point. We need to keep on playing this way and we need to keep giving 100 percent. In order to do this, great effort is necessary.”

Milan travel to Catania on Saturday intent on preserving or extending their four-point lead in the Italian title race, but for now Allegri would prefer to concentrate on the task at hand.

“We should focus on tomorrow’s match and not on the fact that we’ll be playing against Catania on Saturday evening,” Allegri said.

“When we focus and take it game at a time, we are able to achieve better results.”

Wed 26 January, 2011

Allegri hails Milan collective

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri hailed his side’s team spirit as they beat Cesena 2-0 to move four points clear at the top of Serie A.

An own goal from Maximiliano Pellegrino handed Milan the lead on the stroke of half-time, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic sealed the win in the 90th minute.

But Allegri refused to single out individual players after the win, saying the team as a whole had deserved their victory.

“We won thanks to strength, technical skills and sacrifice. We suffered in the first 20 minutes, but then we proved we deserved this win,” Allegri said.

“This was a victory for the whole team, as all wins are. It is extremely important as the team is able to get more compact and give better support in difficult moments. This will help us to do a good job in the end.”

“If it doesn’t go well, the result is 0-0, but we are able to find the goal as we’re a team with good skills which is able to create many chances. In any case when no goals are conceded, the team becomes more confident in defence.”

Allegri also revealed he sees cross-town rivals Inter as their biggest threat in the title race, despite Inter trailing the league leaders by nine points.

“Of course Inter Milan is the team we should be most afraid of,” Allegri said. “Roma as well, but Inter Milan has more skills to battle for the championship.”

Mon 24 January, 2011