Allegri says Milan ‘should have won’ against Juve amid misses: “Leao has to score”

Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media after AC Milan’s 0-0 draw against Juventus, echoing that the Rossoneri should have got more from the game. 

It ended up being a rather cagey affair at Allianz Stadium as Milan and Juventus both preferred to defend low, without giving too much away. That said, the Rossoneri had some golden opportunities to win the game, as we also discussed in our player ratings.

Speaking to DAZN just a few minutes ago (via MilanNews), Allegri shared his thoughts on the performance. Among other things, he acknowledged that Rafael Leao showcased great movement but had to score his chance at the end, which makes all the difference.

Pulisic’s missed penalty…

“I didn’t even see where it went, but sometimes penalties are missed. It was a balanced first half. They did well at closing down spaces and the ball circulation was very slow. We didn’t attack their defence a lot with our midfielders.

“In the second half, we improved physically and we had several chances, although they had the first when Maignan made a great save. Then, at the crucial moment, when we had Juventus under control, we could have been more aggressive and clinical.

“The positive side is that we didn’t concede and we extended our unbeaten run. The negative side is that at certain moments of the game, you have to be more aggressive. The game should have been won.”

Everyone is waiting for Leao, where is he? Two clear chances missed tonight…

“This was the first week of proper work for him, he was out for 45 days. Last Sunday, I had to sub him on out of necessity. He also worked well during the week, even if he still has to get back to full fitness. We really need him to, just like we need Nkunku. They are players who can decide games for us.”

Can we see Leao, Pulisic and Nkunku together?

“The important thing is that everyone is in good shape. Nkunku arrived late, on August 30th, and Leao was out for 45 days, so we still need a little patience.

“It’s only normal that the more technical players we have, the better. It’s also true that substitutions become important. In the final half hour, when you have players like Leao and Nkunku, they can certainly change the game.”

What does Leao need to do to become clinical like a striker?

“It’s not a new position for him. If I’m not mistaken, he already played as a centre-forward at Lille. His movement on Modric’s pass was striker-esque. However, when someone like Leao gets there, he has to score.

“He needs to make a leap, and when he gets there, he needs to understand that he has to make a difference because he’s important to the team.”

What was it like returning to Allianz Stadium?

“It was emotional. I saw so many people I worked with, who supported me during the eight years at Juventus, and we celebrated and cried, because sometimes we lost. It was emotional. I just have to say thank you, just like I thank the fans.

“Now I’m at Milan and we still have a lot to do. We will take home tonight’s point as we didn’t concede, but we definitely could have done better. We have to understand the timing of the game. When there’s a moment to attack the opponent, you have to attack.”

In hindsight, would you have kept Gimenez in?

“Gimenez had a good game, especially when he won the penalty, showing off good movement. He’s a guy who works hard for the team, and that’s very important.

“However, at that point, I thought about bringing in fresh players with great technical ability. Even Pulisic, despite the penalty miss, had a great game.”

The international break is up next, meaning some of the Milan players will get some extra time to work on tactics at Milanello. A lot of them will be busy elsewhere, though, including Matteo Gabbia who has finally been called up for Italy.