Allegri: Milan ‘can’t change’ 10-month work, Modric’s return ‘nearly impossible’ | OneFootball

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri hints that he might pick an attacking trident for a Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday, but Luka Modric’s return for the last game of the season is ‘nearly impossible.’

Milan are under growing pressure, having won only one of their last five games and scoring just one goal in the process.

Reports in Italy suggest that Santiago Gimenez could start against Atalanta at San Siro tomorrow, and Allegri discussed the matter at a pre-match press conference today.

Allegri drops Gimenez hint for Atalanta clash

“If Gimenez is there, there will be one or two players moving around him,” Allegri said via Milannews.

This means Allegri could choose three attacking players tomorrow rather than the usual 3-5-2 system: “We’ll see,” the coach said.

“We can’t change what we’ve done in these ten months. Tomorrow we begin a mini-season of three games,” Allegri continued.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“That’s how we have to look at it. We have a three-point lead. If we make it to the Champions League, we’ll go; if not, we won’t deserve to qualify. I’ll assess the starting line-up tomorrow, but I need everyone right now. Aside from Modric and Tomori, everyone else is available.

“The games last long, and substitutions in the last 30 minutes are decisive. Everyone will have to be involved in the game. We are in a decisive and important moment.

“It’s a decisive match tomorrow because three games remain. All energy must be focused towards tomorrow’s game. Then we’ll look at the table. We’ll have to play a tricky and difficult game at Genoa afterwards.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Modric was forced to undergo a cheekbone surgery two weeks ago following an injury against Juventus.

The Croatian star is training separately at Milanello, but Allegri practically ruled out his return to action for the last game of the season against Cagliari.

“Even if Modric always comes to Milanello to work, it’s nearly impossible that he’ll be on the pitch for the last match,” he said.

During the same press conference, Allegri insisted that he wants to remain at San Siro for as long as possible despite reports that his strained relationship with CEO Giorgio Furlani could lead to a summer departure.

“Whoever is at Milan must work for the club and defend a glorious DNA,” Allegri insisted.

“I’ve seen that in the directors, and I understand that Milan must always have the ambition to win. If Milan finish sixth, it means we deserved to finish sixth. The important thing is that everyone works for the club. Personal targets must be set aside. The collective goal is to qualify for the Champions League.”