After a last-minute draw against Pisa, AC Milan is gearing up for a challenging big match in Bergamo against Ivan Juric’s Atalanta. Following a somewhat disappointing performance at San Siro, where Milan settled for a draw, they still hold a respectable third place in the Serie A standings with 17 points, just behind leaders Napoli and Roma. The match against Atalanta will be crucial, coming just before a vital direct confrontation with Roma on November 2nd.
In a press conference ahead of the clash, manager Massimiliano Allegri acknowledged the intensity of the upcoming schedule, emphasizing the need for the team to focus on recovering players and maintaining their performance. Despite a limited squad, he remains optimistic about the players’ capabilities to tackle the upcoming challenges.
He spoke about the potential return of key players like Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic, with expectations set for Pulisic to be back on the bench for the match against Parma. Allegri expressed confidence that Santiago Gimenez, despite some inconsistent performances, is a capable player who will find his scoring form again.
Allegri also reflected on the Serie A season thus far, noting that it remains open and competitive. He acknowledged that the match against Pisa was one they could have won, but praised the point gained as something to build upon, particularly as they prepare for a physical and technical Atalanta side.
Addressing ongoing issues regarding refereeing decisions, Allegri urged for a forward-thinking mindset, stressing the importance of accepting mistakes, both from referees and players alike. He reiterated the need for calm when it comes to these decisions, mentioning that in the fast-paced nature of football, errors are inevitable.
The Milan coach highlighted the strength of his squad, indicating that injuries have presented challenges but allowing for new talents to emerge, such as Bartesaghi and Ricci, who are proving their worth at the club. He expressed optimism that the team will continue to improve and aims to remain competitive in the Champions League race as they move into the next phase of the season.
As Allegri prepares his team for the upcoming crucial matches, he remains committed to the task at hand, advocating for hard work and positivity as they strive to achieve their goals. This mindset could play a significant role in Milan’s ability to navigate the competitive Serie A landscape successfully.