Allegri stresses importance of ‘details’ and responds to idea of needing a striker

Massimiliano Allegri believes that AC Milan paid for not taking their moments during the Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Lazio.

Milan’s cup curse will continue into a 23rd year after they were knocked out by Lazio in the last-16 phase on Thursday night at the Stadio Olimpico. Just like in the Serie A meeting on Sunday one goal was enough, and this time it was Mattia Zaccagni who got it.

In truth there were a number of sub-par performances in the Rossoneri ranks as they struggled to get going in the first half, not for the first time this season. The second half was better, but some missed chances meant the home side were able to snatch it and continue to the quarter-finals.

In addition to doing media duties with broadcaster SportMediaset, Allegri also spoke in a post-match press conference before midfielder Samuele Ricci. The coach’s words have been relayed by MilanNews.

Were you expecting a match like this?

“It was a deadlock, whoever scored won, it already happened on Saturday. We played better today, but in football, it’s the winner that counts. They did well to capitalise on the moment. We’re angry and disappointed, but tomorrow is another day.”

Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

What was missing tonight?

“In the first half, we could have played faster between the lines, but they defended well. In the second half, we had chances, we were sloppy on corners… in our best moment, we conceded: we need to improve.”

Are you satisfied with Jashari?

“He was in good condition and played a good game. Estupinan too. The positive thing is that everyone is fine, but we’re disappointed. But we shouldn’t get depressed now; it wasn’t easy, but we’re preparing for the match against Torino.”

Do you need extra reinforcement up front?

“It wasn’t easy tonight, Lazio didn’t give up much. It’s normal that we had chances like in Milan, but it’s always difficult against them: today we had even more. If you give them away and make mistakes in the details, like tonight with the corners, you lose.

“We played well tonight, and by scoring we’ll change our mindset. Now I have to think about the next match, but often when we’re in full control, we make too many mistakes.”