Allegri: ‘Great Milan spirit, Modric uses intelligence’ to win back ball | OneFootball

Max Allegri praises the Milan ‘spirit’ after holding on down to 10 men for a 2-1 victory over Napoli, explaining how Luka Modric ‘uses his intelligence to win the ball back with interceptions.’

The Rossoneri had the ideal start, taking a 2-0 lead within 31 minutes thanks to an inspirational Christian Pulisic, who created the first for Alexis Saelemaekers and scored the second.

However, the game changed when Pervis Estupinan saw red for hauling down Giovanni Di Lorenzo, allowing Kevin De Bruyne to convert a penalty and set up a tense finale, with David Neres clipping the woodwork in stoppages.

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“I am happy because this was an important and very difficult test against a quality Napoli side,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.

“Our first half was great, the second unfortunately saw us down to 10 men. At least we managed to practice our defending, these are situations where you can be forced to give away scoring opportunities.

“The lads did really well, but this is just the beginning. We must enjoy the victory tonight, then from tomorrow start to focus on the next match before the break for international duty.”

Allegri keeps Milan feet on the ground

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli is challenged by Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan held on for their fifth consecutive victory between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, conceding just one goal and scoring 11.

“We’ve got to keep working, we made a small step forward today with a deserved victory against a strong Napoli. When you know how to suffer under pressure, it makes it easier to win if you have this kind of spirit,” added Allegri.

Rafael Leao made his first Serie A appearance of the season as a substitute, having sustained a muscular injury in the Coppa Italia on August 17.

“Leao is getting back to fitness, so is Nkunku, and there are positive signs going forward.”

When the Portuguese talent got injured and Adrien Rabiot arrived, it also prompted Allegri to switch tactics to more of a 3-5-2 formation.

“In our pre-season games against Liverpool and Arsenal, we had Loftus-Cheek on one side, Pulisic on the other, and double midfield playmakers, Leao upfront. It depends on the characteristics of the trequartista whether they are more defensive or attacking, but we try things in training to see if there are alternatives we can make the most of during the season.

“We have many different attacking players we can use in different roles. The important thing is to get them back fully fit, because we saw that there’s one game for the first hour, then it can all change.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Luka Modric of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Luka Modric was signed for his creativity, but the 40-year-old is also proving himself very valuable working defensively too.

“Having him in front of the defence brings quality, but also intelligence when closing off passing channels. He can win the ball back more with interceptions than challenges, that’s where he can be extremely valuable,” explained Allegri.

This result means that Milan are now joint top of the table on 12 points with Napoli and Roma, quite a coup considering their opener was a shock home defeat to Cremonese.

“Football is strange, because against Cremonese Maignan didn’t have to make a save, we were punished by two distractions and our own wasted chances at the other end. It was the first match, the more they play together, the better they’ll get to know each other.”

The next test is another huge one next Sunday, as Allegri will face his former club Juventus.

“It’s a bit odd, as I’ve played this game on both sides, I was at Milan first, then Juve, now back to Milan again. It’s a marvellous fixture, anyway!”