Allegri fires up AC Milan ahead of the trip to Genoa
The mood at Milanello is tense but determined. On the eve of Genoa vs Milan, Max Allegri stepped up to the microphone with a single, clear message: full focus on the match, no distractions. The Luigi Ferraris clash, scheduled for Sunday at midday, is a pivotal moment in the Rossoneri’s race for fourth place and a spot in next season’s Champions League.
The Tuscan manager addressed every topic with his trademark directness — from team selection to internal controversy — repeatedly hammering home one point: «Right now, all that matters is tomorrow’s game».
Modrić back available, Ricci in doubt
On the injury front, the news is mixed. Luka Modrić is back in contention: the Croatian midfielder, sidelined for nearly two weeks, trained with the squad for the first time this morning and even tested a protective mask. He may not start, but his presence in the group is already an encouraging sign.
Less positive is the update on Samuele Ricci, who suffered an ankle sprain during this morning’s training session. «He’s travelling with us», Allegri confirmed, but the midfielder’s condition will be assessed right up until arrival in Genoa.
«Apart from the suspended players, everyone else is fit» — Max Allegri
Three days of retreat: a composed and professional group
AC Milan spent three days in a closed retreat at Milanello — a technical and psychological decision designed to reunite the squad after a dismal run: just 7 points from 8 games, a sharp fall from the title-contending form of the first half of the season. Allegri was openly proud of the professionalism his players have shown throughout.
«I have a group of very serious, professional lads who care deeply about results. They’re suffering too. But right now you can’t dwell on the past — you can only think about tomorrow», the manager said.
He also outlined the tactical priority for Marassi: defensive compactness, structure and patience. In recent weeks the backline has been alarmingly porous — three goals conceded against Atalanta, three against Udinese, two against Sassuolo, and more leaked at home to Torino. Fixing that is non-negotiable.
The line-up: Nkunku or Pulisic, Füllkrug likely to start
Up front, there’s a battle between Christopher Nkunku and Christian Pulisic: one will start, the other will begin on the bench. With the game kicking off at noon and temperatures expected to be high, substitutes will play a crucial role — and both could prove decisive from the bench.
Niclas Füllkrug appears set to feature too, with Allegri noting the German striker is fit: «I’ll assess how the players are feeling tomorrow morning». Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also an option off the bench.
On the subject of Nkunku, the question of his inconsistent performances this season also came up. The French attacking midfielder, who shone during his time at RB Leipzig, has struggled to hit his peak consistently in Milan. Allegri put it down to «an adaptation issue», making clear that faith in the player’s quality remains intact.
Ibrahimović and the internal tensions
Questions about rumoured friction between Allegri and Zlatan Ibrahimović, AC Milan’s Senior Advisor, were inevitable. The manager handled them with composure, neither denying nor confirming any explicit falling-out, but stressing that disagreements within a club are perfectly normal.
«Inside any organisation there are always confrontations, sometimes arguments — everyone sees things their own way. What matters is that everyone works in the interest of the organisation, in this case AC Milan. I’ve had far more intense discussions in 20 years of management».
Regarding the reports from Corriere della Sera about Ibrahimović allegedly contacting players, Allegri delivered a message with unmistakable clarity: «Milan always comes first. The club is above everything and everyone».
Cardinale’s ‘failure’ comments
Allegri was also asked about Gerry Cardinale‘s recent remarks, in which the owner described missing the Champions League as a «failure». Rather than push back, the manager framed it as natural ambition at a club of Milan’s stature.
«The ambition to achieve the best possible result is normal when you’re at AC Milan. Over the course of a season, the final result is what you deserve». He also confirmed he had already spoken privately with the American owner to share his perspective on the season and the future: «Cardinale’s words pleased me».
Allegri backs sporting director Tare
When asked about a name put forward as a potential future sporting director — a name Allegri said he did not recognise — the manager took the opportunity to publicly back the current DS, Igli Tare: «The current sporting director is Igli Tare, with whom I immediately found a connection. He’s a serious and very capable person. The criticism he receives is unfair».
A public show of support, at a time when Tare’s own future at the club has been the subject of increasing uncertainty in recent weeks.
A message to the fans
Allegri closed with a call for belief. When asked how supporters could possibly find optimism after recent events, he didn’t hesitate: «You have to believe regardless. Commitment and professionalism have never been lacking. Tomorrow we’ll work to put in a great performance».
The race for the Champions League is still alive. The 25th of May will bring the final reckoning. But first, there’s a game to win — in Genoa, with heart and with purpose. AC Milan is ready.
