Why Serie A could be witnessing another prime Max Allegri era | OneFootball

When one speaks of Max Allegri’s prime era in Serie A, it is associated with the Italian’s heroics with Juventus in the previous decade. There is a growing perception that his prime could have sailed away but there are now signs that Calcio is witnessing the Milan manager’s best again.

The Rossoneri’s win over Lazio was peak Allegri-ball on show. It wasn’t the prettiest and full of moments where the game could’ve ended in a draw – even if the Roman side didn’t deserve a penalty. It was a sign that with this Milan side, Allegri himself is growing, bringing the best out of them and getting wins that would qualify as his own way.

So far against the best sides in Serie A, Milan have conceded just one goal. They are unbeaten, keeping clean sheets against Juve, Lazio, Roma and even Inter. Granted, they’ve had to rely on individual skill – such as Mike Maignan’s penalty saves in two games, but that is a definition of what Allegri does.

It is also key to remember that it is ‘Super Max’ himself who kept the Frenchman at the club. The goalkeeper was close to joining Chelsea but Allegri’s insistence made sure that Maignan changed his mind. 

Luka Modric’s arrival has held the side together but Allegri was also important to making Alexis Saelemaekers a part of his side. The Belgian could’ve easily left a good loan at Roma but the Italian saw value in him that is coming through. Saelemaekers is more than just proving himself, adding progression from wide areas and showing a keen ability to win the ball back.

Allegri has also recognised in the last three months that back three is the way forward for the side. This is bringing more out of Strahinja Pavlovic, who struggled last season. Fikayo Tomori, who was inches away from joining Tottenham, is also playing at his best on the right side of the backline. The Serbian has made key impact, showcasing his ability to carry into the final third and creating.

There is an obvious goalscoring problem in the side, with Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez struggling. But Rafael Leao has been incorporated into the side perfectly after injury. He has now contributed to six goals in around 600 minutes, enjoying life under Max Allegri despite not even being a number nine. He is thriving while attacking spaces during the counter-attack, enjoying the freedom the setup grants him.

Christian Pulisic has been the same as he was in the last two seasons, coming up with vital contributions and thriving on the break too.

None of this is down to luck – neither was the decision to not hand Lazio a penalty. Allegri’s side are breathing grit and are managing games to perfection. They know when to turn the tempo down and when to increase it. In the big games, they know when to attack and at what point to come forward. They pick their moments and manage phases of play very well.

This is what Allegri has always been known for. It isn’t exciting all the time but it is very effective. Sometimes, it is almost as if he has also figured out how the game will pan out and is simply adapting to the moments when they play out.

It is also fair to say that Milan are overperforming on what they have – especially in attack. But not once has Allegri gone on a full-blown rant about signings like a fellow compatriot at another club. 

If Milan get the right business done, it could yet get better.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN