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Tonight, AC Milan face a big game against Pisa, where they can confirm the top spot in Serie A for another week.
Given that Napoli host Inter on Saturday, it could see a bit of a gap open up for the time being. Something which everyone would be happy with, more so with the Champions League being the primary aim, at least for now.
Allegri has chosen to make a couple of changes to the starting XI that beat Fiorentina on Sunday night. Koni De Winter comes in to give Fikayo Tomori a rest, while Santiago Gimenez gets the nod up front alongside Rafael Leao.
The Rossoneri will face someone they know very well in Alberto Gilardino, a head coach that Allegri is yet to beat across two meetings. Pisa are winless in seven games so far, but the Cremonese match is a reminder of the danger these games can pose.
Allegri: Pre-Pisa
Before the game, the Italian spoke to Sky, via MilanNews, and was very much aware of the danger of complacency.
What game is this?
“We need to build on the results we’ve achieved so far. It’ll be a very tough match; they’re very physical and good at set pieces. We need a game of great concentration and technical quality.”
Choice to change the defense…
“Everyone’s fine. I made this choice: Tomori has played a lot and we have another draw on Tuesday. De Winter did well when he came on: let’s hope we made the right choice.”
Are you aware of the enthusiasm surrounding Milan?
“There’s enthusiasm, but we have to keep our feet on the ground and keep working. Today is a must-win game, and it won’t be easy.”
What kind of mindset is needed?
“The important thing is to have the right attitude and great respect for Pisa: these games can only be won with great respect for the opposing team.”
The Rossoneri’s manager also spoke to DAZN, as relayed by MilanNews.
Today we will need to be very focused and play with our heads…
“These are always very difficult matches, but Pisa has always played excellent games. Only in Bologna were they down to 10 men and conceded four goals. They’re a physical team, very good at set pieces. We’ll need to be very careful defensively. Above all, we need to have a lot of respect for Pisa.”
Is Gimenez essential?
“He’s doing very well, he’s growing. I’m happy for him. Nkunku is available today, and as soon as Pulisic is available, I’ll have four very important forwards. I think he and Leao can play as centre forwards.”
What does Ricci give you more than Rabiot? What are you working on?
“Samuele is doing very well; he’s grown a lot. He’s a very intelligent guy off the pitch and especially on it. He’s very balanced. I think he needs a playmaker nearby right now, and he’s doing very well because he could become a playmaker in the future. Right now, he’s more dynamic and can play better as a midfielder.”
Even a few goals…
“Yes, also because he’s very accurate in his shots. Let’s hope he gets going tonight.”
English (US) ·