Massimiliano Allegri, Milan head coach, spoke to DAZN to comment on the 1–1 draw away to Roma. Here are his full remarks.
How do you read this draw?
“We had a good first seven or eight minutes, with situations where we could have done better. Then Roma grew into the game and we made a few mistakes with vertical passes, which they are very good at punishing, they were quicker to the second balls. Maignan did well and kept us in the game. The second half was different, we were better technically and they dropped off. We come away with a good result. Getting a 1–1 draw in Rome at this stage of the season is very important, we gained a point on Napoli and kept Roma four points behind.”
Allegri, is the first-half struggle becoming a pattern?
“They pushed hard. There is always one team that presses more and one less. In the second half we were more aggressive. Against pressing like theirs, you need to play long triangles, which we did better after the break. Three or four situations came from our own build-up. We needed to be more organised, instead we often left Gabbia in one-on-one situations. When we went ahead we defended well, but then, as often happens in football, at a moment when everything seemed to be going our way, we conceded the penalty.”
Too many technical errors?
“In the first half, yes. We misplaced four passes on the right. In the second half we had some favourable situations, even after going 1–0 up, where the feeling was that it was easier for us to make it 2–0 than to concede the 1–1," as relayed via Milan News.
Is the squad stronger now, especially in attack? Thoughts on individual players?
“All four are important players. When I made the substitutions, Leao and Nkunku were growing into the game, but I needed an aerial presence and the aggression of Pulisic, who could have closed out the match. Then, as always, I think one thing and something else happens…”
