Allegri explains selection of Ricci and warns Milan about Roma: “We’ll have to be alert”

Massimiliano Allegri has explained his selections for tonight’s game against Roma, also speaking about the pressure his side are under. 

It is hard to overstate how big a game this feels at the Stadio Olimpico. Inter kicked off the weekend with a 6-2 comeback win over Pisa on Friday night to move six points clear temporarily. Juventus have just recorded a statement 3-0 win over Napoli to pull one point behind the champions, too.

Milan must keep taking care of their own business, and the 20-game unbeaten run in the league is something to be proud of without a doubt. However, it will be put under tough examination in the capital tonight, against a Roma side yet to draw any of their 29 games so far across all competitions.

Not long before kick-off at the Olimpico, Rafael Leao spoke to DAZN about his physical battles. He was followed by Allegri, whose selection explanations were relayed by MilanNews.

Tonight it will be the same kind of pressing that Como did, how will you respond?

“We’ll have to be good. When you play against man-to-man teams, you have to be very good at playing technically and playing behind the opponent. They’re good and in good form, so we’ll have to be alert.”

Photos by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images and AC Milan

Why did you choose Ricci?

“He’s in a good moment, more or less everyone is doing well. Of the midfielders, he’s the one closest to Modric and gives him a little more freedom, so he can play deep with more confidence. At the moment, he’s doing much better as a mezzala than as a regista in front of the defence.”

What feelings do you have in this stadium, where you have won so much?

“Life is beautiful because it’s made up of moments and combinations. Tonight we have a very difficult match, we’ll try to get a positive result that would allow us to take a small step forward. Juve won, and they’ve regrouped at the back. We need to be very calm.”

Do you expect man-marking on Modric?

“I think more or less the same thing. When he came on against Lecce at the end, the first thing they did was man-mark him. You have to be good with others to create play.”