Milan, Allegri: Napoli was tough but we responded well, defence improving | OneFootball

Massimiliano Allegri's Milan leaves San Siro with three precious points and the lead in the standings, shared with Napoli and Roma. Would he say that Napoli is the number one favorite? "Absolutely yes, also because they are the holders of the Scudetto. We have to work step by step to improve. Our two young players, Bartesaghi and Atekhame, will grow a lot: the club has provided me with international caliber players who help the younger ones".

First blue knockout, Allegri interrupts Conte's positive streak after a devilish first half

Milan, Allegri: "Against Napoli an important test, it was difficult but we responded. Defensive phase? We trained well"

The Rossoneri coach, at the end of the 2-1 victory against Conte's team, analyzed the performance of his men to DAZN's microphones, highlighting the value of the test and the team's ability to suffer.

Allegri: "It was a difficult match, we responded well"

The Tuscan coach expressed satisfaction with the performance, but urged to maintain balance:

"I am happy because it was an important test for us, very difficult against a Napoli team that has great qualities. We had a good first half, while in the second half with the expulsion and the penalty we trained well in the defensive phase. The boys were very good, but it's just the beginning. Now let's enjoy this victory, from tomorrow we will think about the last match before the break".

"We still have to work, there will be other games of suffering"

Allegri highlighted the growth path that Milan is undergoing:

"We must continue to work, we have taken a small step forward. Games like this, of suffering, there will be others, but playing them with this spirit will make it easier to bring them home. Leao is still behind in condition, Nkunku is growing, I'm sorry I couldn't include him. There are the prerequisites to do well".

Tactical choices: "We change based on characteristics"

The coach explained how the game system used was born:

"From the first game with Liverpool we played with two attacking midfielders and the double pivot. Then it depends on the characteristics of the attacking midfielders: during the week we try different solutions that can be useful during the year".

On the offensive department: "We have five players for two-three positions"

Milan has several solutions in attack, and Allegri clarified the situation of Leao and Nkunku:

"Up front we have Leao, Pulisic, Gimenez, Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek who can move between midfield and attack. They are five players for two or three positions and it is essential that everyone improves their condition. Especially Leao, who has been stopped for 45 days and didn't have much playing time. I'm sorry for Nkunku, who didn't come in, because he's a quality player, very useful in management. Gimenez worked well. But the important thing is that whoever goes on the field runs a lot, because then from the 60th minute a new game begins. Today it was different, since we were left with ten".

Modric, the perfect director for Allegri's game

The coach had important words for Luka Modric, director in front of the defense:

"Luka is such an intelligent player... In the Italian championship in front of the defense he gives you quality and knows how to manage himself better. He is also good at closing: whoever plays in that position must steal more interception balls than tackles, because the interception opens the counterattack. Modric does it very well. Even Ambrosini, when I put him in front of the defense, was good: less quality but a lot of tactical intelligence".

"After Cremonese everything seemed black, but that's football"

Allegri remembered the difficulties at the beginning of the season:

"Football is strange. Against Cremonese we conceded goals on the only two crosses suffered. Paradoxically, we suffered more with Bari. Then, the more we train together, the more we grow".

Towards Juventus: "It will be a wonderful match"

Finally, a look at the next commitment against Juventus, a challenge with a special charm for Allegri:

"No, I'm not thinking about it yet, but it will be a beautiful match, wonderful. I've played some here and some there, it's always fun".

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.