MILAN – Calmness, balance and a clear objective: keep winning without getting distracted by words. Massimiliano Allegri spoke just a few minutes ago in a press conference on the eve of the Lazio vs Milan clash, a match that the Rossoneri coach considers delicate and decisive for the team’s path in the final stretch of the season.
The manager immediately warned his players about the opponent’s characteristics. “They give you very little space and put a lot of pressure on the ball. At the same time, they have players with great technical ability,” Allegri explained, underlining how teams coached by Maurizio Sarri are traditionally difficult to face.
The visit of club legend Andriy Shevchenko, who was at Milanello in recent hours, also boosted the Rossoneri camp. Allegri commented with a smile: “Sheva’s visit was a great pleasure, let’s hope it brings us good luck ahead of tomorrow’s game.”
Milan head into the match on the back of a derby victory and a positive atmosphere in the dressing room. “After the match we were all happy about the three points that allowed us to extend our lead over the chasers,” Allegri said. “The lads returned to training in a very calm manner. Now we have Lazio, always a complicated match. It’s important to take another small step forward. We’ve reached 60 points, the next mini target is to get to 70.”
Impressive defensive numbers too, with just 20 goals conceded, but the Rossoneri coach plays down any title talk. “It’s not about trying: we have to do our job, because with 60 points you don’t get anywhere. Ahead of us there’s a team with a 7-point lead and behind us there are others chasing. We have to focus on ourselves. To finish in the top four we need to win another five games.”
Regarding team selection, Milan will be without Rabiot. Allegri explained that the decision is still open: “Tomorrow either Jashari or Ricci will play, I’m not sure yet, but the important thing is that the team puts in an organised performance with a strong defensive phase. They often score late in games.” In Rome, the Rossoneri will still be able to count on strong fan support: “There will be 10,000 Milan fans there, that’s very important for us.”
On the attacking front, Gimenez will once again be unavailable, although the coach offered reassurance about his condition. “He won’t be called up, but he’s in good shape, especially psychologically. For the final part of the season we need players who can score goals.”
A question about a possible Scudetto comeback was inevitable. Allegri was pragmatic: “There’s only one way to catch Inter: they have to lose and we have to win. The facts will tell whether we’ve been good enough to win enough games.”
Tactically, the coach expects a complex match. “It will be a difficult game, they give very little away. By their nature they’ve always played this kind of season. For them it will be an important match because they’ll try to beat Milan, and for us it’s important because it will allow us to take another small step forward.”
Allegri also touched on the European front and the struggles of Italian clubs in the Champions League. “Football is beautiful because it’s debatable and every year situations change. Even the English clubs are struggling. This format is exciting but it can change the standings significantly. There’s no set rule.”
The final message to the squad is clear: balance and focus. “The strength we must have is to work with calmness, without getting carried away or feeling down. Milan are having a good run, but we haven’t achieved any objective yet. Now the games that really matter are coming.”
Finally, there was an update on the condition of several players. “Pulisic is feeling much better physically, he had a good game in the derby and he’s continuously improving. Leao, Fullkrug and Nkunku are also doing well.”
And a quip about Fofana: “The next step I’d like from him? A goal. Let’s hope he scores one soon.”
As for Milan’s growth in recent months, Allegri prefers to look ahead: “We need to have the conviction to achieve more results. Tomorrow there’s another game and we’ll be judged on that.”
On the Scudetto, however, the coach remains faithful to his philosophy: “Ambition isn’t about talking about the title, it’s about giving our maximum every day. Then we’ll see who comes out on top: the season is long and in the end the team that has the best season wins.”
