Allegri hopes for ‘practical’ Milan against ‘difficult’ Parma and sheds light on Leao advice

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri expects a ‘difficult’ game against Parma, and shed light on how he is guiding Rafael Leao. 

Milan have the chance to go top of the league for the time being, while waiting to see how Napoli, Inter and Roma get on during their games on Sunday. That being said, the dropped points against Cremonese and Pisa plus last season’s defeat at Parma show the potential banana skin this is.

Allegri has chosen to make one change from the team that beat Roma on Sunday night, with Pervis Estupinan coming back in at left wing-back, and Davide Bartesaghi dropping to the bench. Christian Pulisic will also be available to come on, having trained in full from Wednesday.

In the build-up to kick-off at the Tardini, Allegri spoke to Sky and DAZN to offer his thoughts on the game, one he knows that his side cannot afford to under-estimate. MilanNews relayed his comments.

What kind of a game are you expecting?

“What you think beforehand usually never happens. It will be a difficult match. Pellegrino is a troublesome player. We have to play well technically.”

Photos: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

How is Leao?

“He’s recovered and is doing well. I’m giving him advice because I have more experience, not because I’m better. He can always do well, as can the whole team. Today it’s important to bring home the three points.”

A chance to go top of the table…

“We need to be practical. There were several 0-0 draws today, and winning games is never easy. The first thing we need to do is get ourselves on the same level as Parma.”

How do you break down Parma’s defence? There won’t be much space…

“We have to have a good approach because Parma are a team that has always fought, always kept games going. They often lift the ball long, and that can be a problem for us. You have to play very well technically with great passing speed.”

What do you ask of Nkunku?

“Nkunku had a good match against Roma, he played very well technically. It’s normal at the start, you need to get to know your teammates, but he’s an important player.

“We’ve got Pulisic back, we have Loftus-Cheek on the bench, Jashari has returned, we’re slowly getting players back to have the entire squad available.”

Does Pulisic have half an hour left in his legs?

“Let’s see. He’s only had two training sessions, but he’s not usually a player who needs a lot of training. But it’s important to have him on the bench.”