Allegri: Milan ‘need to improve’ and ‘working’ on contract extensions | OneFootball

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri insists his players must improve defensively and confirms the club is ‘working’ on contract extensions of ‘important players.’

Milan host Serie A strugglers Verona at San Siro today.

The Rossoneri are unbeaten in 14 league matches, but have not won against newly promoted sides Cremonese, Sassuolo and Pisa this season, collecting just two points in these three fixtures, all played at home.

Today, they face a team in the relegation zone who have won their last two matches.

Milan-Verona: Allegri’s pre-match quotes

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Surely it’s not an easy game. Verona have pace and technique up front. We’ll need a tidy performance, especially not to lose certainties during the match,” Allegri told DAZN via Milannews.

“We absolutely need to improve. In some games, we had more ball possession, but didn’t collect good results. We have to improve in this, and also in terms of goals conceded, by being more focused.”

Rafael Leao is injured, so Christopher Nkunku starts up front alongside Christian Pulisic for the Rossoneri.

“Nkunku has already played as a centre-forward, scoring some goals. He’s settling in. Some players need time to adjust, but he has extraordinary technique; hopefully, he’ll do well today and score.”

With the January transfer window approaching, one of the big talking points at Milan is the future of Mike Maignan, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Allegri on Maignan’s future

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 04: Mike Maignan of AC Milan gives the team instructions during the Coppa Italia Round of 16 match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Olimpico Stadium on December 04, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Maignan is important, like all those with more experience,” Allegri said.

“The club is working for the future and to keep Milan at a certain level; surely, there will be extensions of important players. The club is working and is focused on this.”

Milan sit second in the Serie A table, one point below city rivals Inter. A win today would allow the Rossoneri to jump to the top of the standings while waiting for this evening’s Inter fixture away at Atalanta.