Massimiliano Allegri was direct on Thursday evening after the Coppa Italia exit, which followed the second loss of the season, the first suffered by Milan since mid-August. He outlined how to react to a setback. He said, "You do not sink into frustration because you have a full season ahead and the target is to reach the Champions League next year." The message is clear, no alarm, Milan must restart with the same focus and drive shown in the first phase of the league. The chance arrives on Monday evening.
The Torino taboo...
The day after tomorrow Milan will close matchday fourteen of Serie A Enilive in one of the stadiums that has given them the least joy in recent years, the Olimpico Grande Torino. Milan will face a wounded Torino side, who are coming off two straight defeats and a rough start to the season, as pointed out by Milan News. Torino hold a strong home record in this fixture. Over the last twelve league meetings in Piedmont between Torino and Milan, Milan have won once. That win came in 2021 when Pioli’s side scored seven. Before that, the last success dated back to 9 December 2012. Since then, Milan have taken one draw and three straight defeats.
What about the Pulisic factor?
The weight on Milan is double. A reaction is expected after the loss, and the team must also deal with the numbers, which can sit in your head and influence you. There is a third element, Milan will take the field knowing the results of all direct rivals, so three points carry extra value. Allegri welcomes a key return, Christian Pulisic is back from the start. The American missed the league match against Lazio and came on only after the team went behind in the Coppa Italia, where he almost equalised. The number eleven is the most decisive and efficient player in the squad, the data confirm this. Having the ex Chelsea man on the pitch from the first minute gives a strong advantage.
