CorSport: ‘Failure is forbidden’ – Milan must pass Parma test to give Allegri landmark win

Massimiliano Allegri is looking for his 100th win as AC Milan head coach, but there is a lot more than just that at stake in Parma.

As Corriere dello Sport report this morning, ‘failure is forbidden’ in Parma. This time, Allegri doesn’t want to fall victim of the trap that his side fell into against Cremonese and Pisa, especially on a night where he is chasing a century of wins with the Rossoneri.

The coach’s request is very clear: the away match against Parma can’t be underestimated. Precedents speak for themselves, as Milan have always had tough matches in Parma. Last season they lost 2-1, and they haven’t won at the Tardini in nearly five years.

Allegri doesn’t want to drop any more points along the way, especially after dropping five against newly-promoted sides already. In his pre-match press conference he sounded a warning to his players: “We need to mentally prepare for a match that won’t be pretty.”

Issues to address

The Milan coach highlighted the negative results against the lesser-ranking teams and tried to motivate the team as much as possible for this match.

Indeed, of the seven goals conceded so far in ten games, the Rossoneri have conceded four against Cremonese and Pisa, two newly promoted teams.

“We need to reflect on what happened. Against Cremonese, you conceded two goals from crosses; against Pisa, we didn’t close out the game. When we realize that the opponent is struggling, we have to try to push them to the limit,” Allegri reiterated.

“Parma will be looking for a breakthrough because they’re coming off a poor record and playing against Milan: we need to get on their level mentally and run like them. It won’t be a great match. We need to stay on top.”

Question marks

Defensively, the results are showing, now the Diavolo need to improve on goal scoring: “It’s not like we can only score once in six chances, like Pavlovic against Roma.”

Allegri’s experience in interpreting the current season comes to the fore once again: “We’re only on matchday ten. I’ve learned that the first six months are preparation for the final rush, so they need to be done well.

“In March, we need to be in top form to compete for the top four spots. Parma is a mini-objective we need to achieve to improve our standings and stay in the top spots.”