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On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Roma, Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media at his usual press conference.
Milan need to get back to winning ways tomorrow, after two consecutive draws, but it won’t be the easiest thing to achieve as Roma are the opponents. The Giallorossi have started the season well too, in fact, they are currently three points ahead of the Rossoneri.
In short, we are talking about a very important game for Milan and Allegri, at least if they actually want to compete at the top. Speaking to the media at his usual pre-match press conference, as transcribed by MilanNews, the gaffer shared his thoughts on the game and provided an injury update.
Is tomorrow’s match the last one with any notable absences?
“We have lost a few players due to the international break, but these things happen. We need to recharge our batteries, as we are almost always playing with the same players. It will be a tough match.
“In 2025, Roma are the team with the most away wins. They concede few goals, while we have conceded in all of our last three games. We need to reverse this trend.”
Can you give us your usual update on the injured players?
“Leao is fine. Tomori is unlikely to be available, although fortunately, any major issues have been ruled out. Pulisic should be available against Parma, while Rabiot is unlikely to make it. We will see if Gimenez will be available or if he will be back against Parma. Estupinan is fine, Jashari only had one training session, so he likely won’t be on the bench tomorrow.”
Could tomorrow be Nkunku’s match?
“Nkunku is fine, he could feature in the game tomorrow. He’s a player with great technique. We expect a lot from him.”
Are Roma deservedly at the top?
“Yes, they have only conceded four goals and always give the impression that they can score. I don’t know if they will stay at the top, I just know they need to get consistent results.”
Can Nkunku play as a striker?
“I think he can do it, just like Leao. We can play without a centre-forward.”
How do you stop Dybala?
“We aren’t discovering his technical qualities now. He arrived in Turin at 21 years old and has grown a lot. He has a very high scoring average, knows how to play football, and when he shoots towards goal, he rarely misses. He and Soulè are growing, there’s Cristante, Pellegrini: it’s no coincidence that Roma are top of the table.”
What do you make of the Nkunku-Leao duo?
“I’m also curious about them playing together. Sometimes you find unexpected solutions. They both know how to play football well, so they could do well together.”
Modric is playing a lot. How should he be managed?
“He’s fine. In Bergamo, we made a lot of technical mistakes in the first half, so we had to play catch-up. Luka improved in the second half; he’s a key player for the team.”
Will they all go to the national team?
“We will see if Pulisic will be fully available against Parma, to then go to the national team. We are in contact with all the national team coaches and we are letting them know about our players’ conditions.”
Tomorrow you will meet Gasperini again…
“Facing his teams is always difficult. I’ve often found myself playing first against Juric and then Gasperini. Tuesday, in Bergamo, was the most physical match of the season.”
Will you field your best players straight away tomorrow or will you keep someone on the bench to change the game in the second half?
“I’ll decide between today and tomorrow. Castiello, Sia, and Sala will be with us tomorrow. They are guys who, if needed, will lend us a hand. The important thing is to play a good game.”
How important is Rabiot?
“Asking others to do his job is wrong. With other players available, we can do something different. Fofana is growing a lot, both defensively and in his runs into the box. He can still improve a lot and be decisive in both phases.”
What do you think of Spalletti’s arrival at Juve?
“I wish him the best of luck. A title fight? In terms of squad size, Napoli and Inter are the favourites. Then there’s a group of teams fighting for the top four spots. There are Milan, Juventus, Roma, Lazio, and even Bologna, who are doing excellent things. Como are also doing well.
“In the end, the best team will win. We must never lose sight of our goal, which is to return to the Champions League. We need balance; we mustn’t get discouraged after two draws in a row. We need consistent results to get to March and fight for the top four spots.
“The first few months of the season are crucial for laying the foundations for the end of the season. We need to not think, but act.”
Coming from two draws…
“It’s crucial to find consistency in our results. In the last two years, Milan have lost in the final minutes in Bergamo, but not this time. We need to get points to return to the Champions League.”
How far along is Leao in his growth?
“Getting inside Leao’s head isn’t easy. After some great things in the first month, an injury slowed him down. Now he’s growing. He’s not 100% yet, but the important thing is that he’s back and ready to play with a certain attitude.”
Is tomorrow a turning point in the season?
“No, but we are facing a strong team. We have to think about putting in a good performance and winning to take further steps towards our goal.”
Loftus-Cheek did well in Bergamo. Can he play again in attack tomorrow?
“I have to evaluate everything today. I have three players available, namely Loftus, Leao, and Nkunku. Plus a fourth, Saelemaekers.”
Will tomorrow be another physical match?
“Ball management will be crucial. If you make too many mistakes, the others will gain strength, as happened in Bergamo. Tomorrow, we will have to be good at managing the ball well.”
The game is scheduled for 20:45 CET and while Allegri will still have some heavy absences, Rafael Leao’s recovery is certainly important. It looks like he will start up front alongside Christopher Nkunku, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek should be in midfield.
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