Allegri: Leao fit, Napoli title favourites, 3 points at stake | OneFootball

"I hope to win many games 1-0. The goal is the result. Have I evolved? Then tomorrow we lose and I'm no longer evolved. I have great respect for Conte, I still don't know if we are similar or very different. He has always won with defensive solidity. There are no more players like Modric"

Milan, Allegri: "Leao recovered. Napoli is the favorite for the Scudetto, but tomorrow only 3 points are at stake"

On the eve of the big match at San Siro between Milan and Napoli, Massimiliano Allegri spoke at a press conference addressing the hot topics of the challenge. The Rossoneri arrive at the first big test of the season after three consecutive wins, while the Italian champions led by Antonio Conte present themselves with four victories in as many games and the solitary lead in the standings.

"The numbers speak, Napoli is the favorite for the Scudetto - Allegri declared -. For us it will be an important test, but not decisive. Tomorrow there are not 70 points at stake, but 3. We must face the match with attention and continuity, thinking about the growth of the group".

Allegri: "Leao is recovered, but he still doesn't have great autonomy"

The Rossoneri coach confirmed the return of Rafael Leao, who has been out for several weeks: "Leao is back available, but he still doesn't have much autonomy. He has only done two half training sessions with the team, so we will have to manage him".

Allegri then explained that the choice of the starting eleven is not yet definitive: "I have several doubts, especially in attack. Pulisic and Nkunku are growing, Gimenez has unlocked and this is positive. However, the seasons are not only decided by the starters: often it is the substitutes who prove to be decisive".

Respect for Conte and the weight of the challenge

The comparison between Allegri and Conte is inevitable, given the history and the weight of the two coaches in Italian football. "Conte's teams are always very organized, both in offensive and defensive phase - Allegri explained -. They concede very little and scoring against him is always difficult. His numbers speak clearly".

A fact that the Tuscan coach does not forget: "Napoli in the last 26 games has collected 18 victories and 8 draws. In addition, Milan has lost the last four home games in September against them. It's up to us to reverse this trend".

Modric and the new Milan

The arrival of Luka Modric represents an added value for the team. Allegri does not hide his admiration: "Modric is a case apart, a champion that is rarely seen in modern football. It's a pity that there are so few players like him in the world. Together with Rabiot and the other midfielders, he raises the level of internal competition, and is fundamental for the growth of the group".

Goal growth and stability

Despite the three consecutive successes, Allegri invites caution: "We started with enthusiasm, but we must not delude ourselves that everything is already resolved. Our goal is to finish in the top four and continue a growth path. True maturity is seen not only in victories, but also in the ability to maintain balance in difficult times".

On the support of the fans, the coach is clear: "I'm glad that the stadium will be full tomorrow. The fans must trust the club, which is working with a precise strategy. Their presence will give us great energy".

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