1 week ago
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Massimiliano Allegri believes that there are more positives than negatives to take from AC Milan’s draw against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma dominated large parts of the game, particularly in the first half, but then when Koni De Winter headed in a corner in the second half it looked like another one of those ‘Allegrian’ nights in a big game.
Unfortunately the lead wouldn’t last for too long, as Davide Bartesaghi was penalised for a handball inside the box, and Lorenzo Pellegrini scored the penalty. There was no real late drama in truth, as the two sides were forced to accept a 1-1 draw.
After Mike Maignan had expressed his frustration over the penalty and Luka Modric had spoken about the ‘unlucky’ spot kick, Allegri faced the DAZN cameras to comment on the draw. MilanNews relayed his words.
How do you interpret this draw?
“We had a good first seven or eight minutes, well-played, with situations we could have done better. Then Roma came out and we missed a few vertical balls, which they are very good at; they got to the second balls first.
“Maignan did well to keep us in it. The second half was different, we improved our technical side, but they dropped off. We’re coming away with a good result, a 1-1 draw in Rome at this point in the season is very important: gaining a point on Napoli and keeping Roma within four points.”
Is a first half under pressure becoming a constant?
“They pushed hard. There’s always a team that pushes more in one half than another: in the second half we were more aggressive. Against a pressing team like theirs, you have to play with long triangles, as we did better in the second half. We took three or four chances with the ball coming out ourselves.
“We needed to be more organised, but instead we often left Gabbia in one-on-one situations. We were ahead, even defending well, but then, as happens in football, at a moment when everything seemed to be going well, we conceded a penalty.”
Were there too many technical errors?
“In the first half, yes, we missed four balls on the right. In the second half, we had some favourable situations, even after the 1-0, where the feeling was that it was easier for us to make it 2-0 than to concede 1-1.”
Is the squad stronger now, especially in attack? What’s your assessment of the individual players?
“All four are important players. When I made the substitutions, Leao and Nkunku were growing, but I needed a jumper and Pulisic’s determination, which could close the game. Then, as always, I think one thing and another happens…”
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