Massimiliano Allegri set the tone before Milan’s Coppa Italia tie with Lecce. Speaking to Milan TV, he was blunt about priorities.
"For us the Coppa Italia is an objective this season. We will start talking about the league again from Wednesday. Tomorrow we have a game to win. It is important because we need to move forward and reach the round of 16. It will not be easy. We only have 90 minutes to get it done, we must avoid penalties because anything can happen there."
On tomorrow’s match against Lecce, Allegri commented:
"For the players, reaching Rome in May is always special because those nights are wonderful. The path starts earlier this year. We must approach it in the right way, with respect for Lecce. They are a team that plays football and tomorrow they will feel no pressure. We need the right mindset and we must bring home another win."
On Lecce:
"Lecce will try to go through. They want to pull off a big result at San Siro. It is on us to have the right approach. We must forget the positives from the league. We will think about the league again from Wednesday."
On the lineup:
"Regardless of who plays, tomorrow the best possible team will take the field to face Lecce. It is an objective for all of us. Today I will assess everyone’s condition and tomorrow I will decide."
On individual players:
"Samuele Ricci is doing well, I am pleased. Santiago Gimenez? He has put in good performances and created chances. He has not scored yet, maybe tomorrow he will."
On the group, Allegri said:
"I am satisfied with the others too. The important thing is to work hard and speak less. We are only at the start of the season, we have not done anything yet. Building takes time, destroying takes little. Tomorrow is a match we must take with seriousness and responsibility. As for the fans, we need everyone. They must be with us throughout this long season. We and the players must deliver results, that is what counts in football."
