GdS: ‘Smiles, hugs and pizza’ – inside Milan’s ‘moderate’ celebrations after Inter win

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri permitted ‘moderate’ celebrations after the derby win over Inter, to send the right kind of message.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) speaks of smiles, hugs and pizza after the final whistle on Sunday night. Lots of pizza for everyone. The derby was one to remember, with the players continuing their celebrations into the night at a local bar, but Allegri was keen to remind them of something.

As usual, the coach didn’t celebrate the victory on the pitch, under the Curva Sud, with his team. At the final whistle, he took a short jog and immediately ran up the steps leading to the underpass. This time, he had a smile plastered across his face (he could barely contain it) and was less tense.

That’s why in the dressing room he congratulated the entire team, without abandoning the ‘Allegri style’. He urged the players to enjoy the moment, but at the same time, to stay focused because nothing has been achieved yet and the goal is far away.

Max knows how to win: with balance and without highs and lows of mood. On Saturday, Lazio arrive at San Siro, so training resumes at Milanello today and any remnants of the derby victory will be erased.

The importance of balance

The Rossoneri’s entrance into the dressing room at full-time was awaited by the entire management team. Giorgio Furlani, Paolo Scaroni, Igli Tare, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Geoffrey Moncada congratulated the players and Allegri, who is considered the real added value compared to last season.

The Livorno-born coach – while satisfied with the performance – didn’t overdo his praise. He emphasised that the team performed well in both phases (he especially enjoyed not conceding), were always alert, and that the performance was the product of the excellent work done during the week.

At the same time, however, he asked them not to get distracted or get too excited now that they’ve secured their third win against a big team. According to the coach, the upcoming tests – starting with the double-header against Lazio – will be a greater demonstration of how far the team have really come.

The great joy of the derby must become a thing of the past from now on. There was no mention of the Scudetto in Max’s words. Since his return to Milanello, he has preached calm, asking players not to get too excited about victories or get depressed after a disappointing result.

On Sunday, he was faithful to his beliefs and level-headed, as his Milan always want to be on the pitch. Allegri also complimented the decisive Mike Maignan, who got the most intense applause from his team-mates in the changing room. The usually reserved captain let out more than one smile.

Magic Mike, who thanked Claudio Filippi – his goalkeeping coach – wanted another night like this. He needed it, like Max and all the Milan fans. Just don’t stop now. Otherwise, Allegri won’t be smiling any more.