Allegri: ‘The jacket saved me’ after AC Milan fury at fourth official | OneFootball

Max Allegri explains what happened when he was sent off during Milan’s 1-0 victory over Bologna and revealed an important Mike Maignan injury update.

The Rossoneri struggled to break the deadlock at San Siro and were jeered off the pitch at half-time when held to long periods of Bologna possession.

They were also unlucky, rattling the woodwork four times – although only three probably would’ve counted – but Luka Modric swept in the Alexis Saelemaekers assist to decide the 1-0 victory.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Milan 1-0 Bologna

“Luka is an extraordinary player and it’s a pleasure to watch him, but he is also a humble guy, like a great champion. He knows beforehand where the ball will go, and has such technique,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.

“It was a game we had to win tonight, we kept a second consecutive clean sheet, and remained united during the tough moments. In those situations, you’ve got to stick together and wait for it to pass.”

Allegri happy with Milan work ethic

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Santiago Gimenez was particularly unfortunate with his finishing and Allegri reassured the striker as he was substituted late on.

“He ran hard, worked, pressed everyone, had a few scoring opportunities, and it’s understandable he wasn’t that sharp after all the hard work he did for the team.

“This is an extraordinary group of lads who don’t complain and we all have the objective of getting back into the Champions League. It’s not easy, we must continue to improve, but they are doing well and we work every day to keep doing better.”

There had also been a late penalty for a foul on Christopher Nkunku, but when it was revoked following a VAR On-Field Review, Allegri raged at the fourth official and was sent off for dissent.

“It was the penalty and at that moment I had some things to say to the fourth official. Fortunately, the jacket saved me,” he joked.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Mike Maignan of AC Milan leaves the pitch after suffering an injury during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There was some bad news too, as both Strahinja Pavlovic and Maignan went off with muscular problems, specifically the left flexor and right calf, with Rafael Leao also still out of action.

“I am pretty sure Maignan won’t be ready against Udinese, because the calf muscle is a delicate area, but Terracciano already made his debut, and we’ve got Torriani too. The important thing is to work as a team, if players are missing, we need this spirit.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan is challenged by Torbjorn Heggem of Bologna during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Adrien Rabiot formed a new midfield with Modric and have greater movement.

“These are players with these characteristics, they move around a lot, which you need when the opposition tries to man-mark you. Movement is important,” concluded Allegri.