Massimiliano Allegri, spoke to the media in a press conference ahead of tomorrow's fixture vs Roma in Serie A matchday 10.
Is tomorrow’s match the last one with a few key absences?
“We lost some players during the international break, but these things happen. We need to recover energy since the same players are playing almost every match. It will be a tough game. In 2025, Roma have won the most away matches. They concede few goals, while we have conceded in each of the last three. We must reverse this trend.”
Can you give the usual update on injuries?
“Leao is fine. Tomori will probably miss out, though luckily there are no serious issues. Pulisic should be available against Parma, while Rabiot is doubtful. We’ll see whether Gimenez will be there or return for Parma. Estupiñán is fine. Jashari trained only once, so it’s unlikely he’ll be on the bench tomorrow.”
Could tomorrow be Christopher Nkunku’s match? Allegri replied:
“Nkunku is in good shape, he could play tomorrow. He has great technique. We expect a lot from him.”
Is Roma deservedly top of the table?
“Yes, they’ve conceded only four goals and always look capable of scoring. Whether they’ll stay at the top, I don’t know, but consistency is key.”
Can Christopher Nkunku play as a striker?
“In my view, he can, and so can Leao. You can also play without a centre-forward.”
Leao and Nkunku, what kind of pair would they be?
“I’m curious myself, if they end up playing together. Sometimes you find unexpected solutions. Both know how to play football well, so they can do well together.”
Modric has been playing a lot. How should he be managed? Allegri replied:
“He’s doing well. In Bergamo, in the first half, we made too many technical mistakes and had to chase them. In the second half, Luka improved, he’s a point of reference for the team.”
Will everyone go on international duty?
“We’ll see if Pulisic will be there in Parma and then if he’ll go to his national team. We’re in contact with all the national coaches and we inform them about the condition of our players.”
Tomorrow you’ll face Gasperini again...
“Facing his teams is always difficult. It often happens that I play against Juric first and then Gasperini. Tuesday in Bergamo was the most physical match of the season.”
Will you start your best players right away tomorrow, or keep some on the bench to have options later?
“I’ll decide between today and tomorrow. Castiello, Sia, and Sala will be with us tomorrow. They’re young players who, if needed, will give us a hand. The important thing is to play an important match.”
How important is Adrien Rabiot?
“Asking others to do his job would be a mistake. With different players available, we do some things differently. Fofana is improving a lot, both defensively and in making runs forward. He can still grow and become decisive in both phases.”
What do you think about Spalletti joining Juventus? Allegri said:
“I wish him the best of luck. Title race? In terms of squad depth, Napoli and Inter are the favorites. Then there’s a group of teams fighting for the top four spots. There’s Milan, Juventus, Roma, Lazio, and Bologna, who are doing great things. Como are also doing well. In the end, the best team will win. We must never lose sight of our goal, which is to return to the Champions League. Balance is needed, we must not get discouraged after two straight draws. Consistency in results is key to reaching March still in the fight for the top four. The first months of the season are crucial to lay the foundations for the final stretch. We must stop thinking and start doing.”
You’re coming off two draws…
“It’s essential to find consistency in our results. In the past two years, Milan lost in Bergamo in the final minutes, but not this time. We need to collect points to return to the Champions League.”
How is Leao’s progress going? Allegri commented:
“Getting into Leao’s head isn’t easy. After an excellent first month, his injury slowed him down. Now he’s improving. He’s not at 100% yet, but what matters is that he’s back with the right attitude and willing to help the team.”
Has anything about Modric impressed you?
“His humility and willingness. He hasn’t played much as a holding midfielder in his career, but he’s doing well because he reads the game early.”
Is tomorrow’s match a turning point in the season?
“No. We’re facing a strong team, but we must focus on putting in a good performance and winning to move closer to our target.”
Davide Bartesaghi is improving a lot...
“He needs to be more proactive in the final few meters. He’s got an excellent left foot.”
Loftus-Cheek did well coming on in Bergamo. Could he play in attack again tomorrow?
“I’ll decide today. I have three available options: Loftus, Leao, and Nkunku. Plus a fourth, Saelemaekers.”
Will tomorrow be another physical match? Allegri responded:
“The technical management of the ball will be crucial. If you make too many mistakes, the opponent gains strength, as happened in Bergamo. Tomorrow we’ll need to handle the ball well.”
