Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri addressed the media today from Milanello ahead of saturday’s Serie A clash with Torino, a fixture that has historically proven challenging for the Rossoneri [[1]]. With Champions League qualification firmly in their sights, a positive result against the physical Torino side is paramount as the league table begins to take shape [[3]]. Allegri also provided updates on key injuries, including a late fitness concern for Christian Pulisic.
Milan Coach Discusses Torino Clash: “A Period is Coming Where the League Table Will Take Shape, and We Need to Stay in the Top Four”
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Milan is aiming to maintain its position at the top of the table, but more importantly, secure points in the pursuit of Champions League qualification. Manager Massimiliano Allegri knows a tough test awaits his side in Torino, a venue where they’ve struggled recently. “We’ve lost there for three years running, and haven’t won in twelve years, only once in that span. Getting a result tomorrow is crucial; Torino is a very physical and difficult team to play against,” he warned his players.
Injury Concerns
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Beyond the tactical challenge, a late fitness concern has emerged. “Pulisic has come down with a fever, so we’ll see if he’s fit enough to play,” Allegri revealed. With Gimenez still sidelined (“We’re hoping he can return to training with the team this week; his ankle is better now. He scored a lot at Feyenoord and certainly hasn’t forgotten how to find the net”), the attack will likely feature Leao and Nkunku. The French forward is still searching for his first Serie A goal. “He has extraordinary technical qualities, but he arrived later and needs time. He had a good game against Lazio last Saturday, but he also needs to convince himself that he can be decisive. Let’s see if he can score tomorrow.” Confidence is key, according to the manager. “You should never be 100% satisfied. Maintaining isn’t an option; you either improve or get worse. That’s why you have to believe in yourself to keep climbing.”
Midfield Battle
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Allegri is also focused on the midfield. While the team’s defensive solidity has been a positive in the early stages of the season (“You win games by getting your hands dirty – defending when you need to defend”), he wants to see more presence in the opponent’s box from his midfielders. “The goals from our midfielders will come. Rabiot is improving his condition, and Loftus-Cheek came close a couple of times on Thursday in the Coppa Italia. I also expect more from set pieces.” A corner kick proved costly against Lazio. “We were pretty, but not aggressive enough. We need to improve on set pieces; Maignan had to make a good save in the league as well. I always say: the Devil invented football. In Rome, we conceded a goal from a non-existent corner, while on Saturday, Lazio were denied a corner on a questionable call.”
Lineup Decisions
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Fofana won’t feature in midfield (“Let’s see if he’s back for the Sassuolo game; if not, we’ll wait for Riad”), leaving the manager with several options. “I’m happy with Jashari; he played as a regista for the first time and has a lot of room to grow. Ricci is a reliable player, especially mentally. Loftus needs to believe in his qualities; he has incredible physical strength and needs to score more.” When asked about the possibility of signing a striker in January, Allegri added, “In my career as a coach, I’ve had very few pure strikers, only Higuain at Juventus, really.” The implication is that Milan can find goals even without a traditional number nine.
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