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Massimiliano Allegri was in a surprisingly positive mood after AC Milan dropped points against Sassuolo in Sunday’s early kick-off.
It was a nightmare start for Milan as Ismael Kone put Fabio Grosso’s side ahead early on. However, the home side levelled proceedings through Davide Bartesaghi’s first goal for the senior team, and then he scored again to make it 2-1 early in the second half.
Once again the Rossoneri invited late pressure though, and – after having a Christian Pulisic goal controversially ruled out – they conceded an equaliser. Armand Lauriente was the one who scored it with a nice curling finish, and Milan were unable to rally again for a winner.
Allegri spoke to DAZN after the full-time whistle to give his thoughts on what was yet another frustrating case of dropped points at home, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Two more goals conceded…
“Today, I think we played a good game. We attacked well against a well-organised defense. Sassuolo are always dangerous, but then at a certain point they break the game and leave three players up front: if you don’t win the ball back, you have to go 90 metres backwards.
“We could have been a little smarter on the first goal, and the same on the second. However, let’s say we played a good game, but we risked losing it after our 3-1 lead. Let’s take this point and prepare for the Supercoppa.
“Regardless of the players’ characteristics, the team played a good match. We’re currently top of the table, but no matter what happens, we’ll still be in third place after today’s matches. Our goal is to be among the top four by May 25th.
“We know we have to keep working and start conceding fewer goals because we’ve conceded too many. Two in Parma, two today, two in Turin, two against Pisa, two against Turin, two against Cremonese. However, I have absolutely nothing to reproach the lads for.”
Could the Supercoppa sap your energy? In hindsight, would you have made that substitution for Pulisic?
“I absolutely would have done it. Pulisic returned to Turin after a feverish spell, he’d been training. He’d played a good 72 minutes, and at that point, we needed more players and an extra midfielder. Loftus was holding his own up front.
“We needed to defend better, especially on the second line rather than the first. Because the first line came out on a throw-in and we were open. On the second line, however, we were in a tight defence.
“We broke away immediately in this situation, but we needed to keep pushing on Laurienté. It’s too easy, they can’t get in like this.”
How do you assess Nkunku’s performance?
“Today he played a good game, just like in Turin. In Turin, he was decisive on the goals, just like today on the second goal. He made a good play at the end, he was very good. A draw doesn’t change the dynamics of the team.
“We know the characteristics of the entire squad; it’s not that one is better than another. We know we can’t win every game, but we need to continue to deliver consistent results. Today we even risked losing; we could have lost on Laurienté’s shot.
“We’re taking home a draw, which today seems like two points thrown away, but in the end, it will prove useful.”
How is Gabbia?
“Let’s see, hopefully it’s nothing serious. We’ll see tomorrow. Then we’ll definitely have De Winter and Odogu who will be ready to play.”
English (US) ·