Champions League race, injury updates, VAR debates — and a nod to Federica Brignone — as Milan prepare for another tough road test
For AC Milan, the message from Massimiliano Allegri is clear: no distractions, no shortcuts, no looking too far ahead.
Speaking on the eve of Thursday night’s trip to Pisa, Allegri stressed the importance of staying grounded as Milan chase points to keep pace with Inter and solidify a top-four position.
“This is our sixth away match in nine games,” Allegri said. “Pisa are fighting to stay up and at home they’ve played some very good games. They’re physical, organized, and even when they lose, they stay in matches. We’ve had ten days off, but we still need to be ready — because points in the second half of the season are harder to earn.”
Milan arrive encouraged by their win in Bologna but aware that recent history against teams in the lower half hasn’t always been kind. Pisa, Parma and Cremonese — three of Milan’s next four opponents — yielded just two points in the first half of the season. “That tells you everything,” Allegri noted. “This is a very important round, with several head-to-head matchups elsewhere. We need the right mentality.”
Squad updates and competition for places
Allegri also offered a detailed update on the injury front. Christian Pulisic has returned to full training but is limited to around 15 minutes. Rafael Leão is “much better,” while Alex Jimenez is progressing and could be available within a month. The only confirmed absence for Pisa is Alexis Saelemaekers.
The coach also spoke warmly about Christopher Nkunku’s recent improvement. “It’s about settling in,” Allegri said with a smile. “Once I told him, ‘If you smile a bit more, things go better.’ He’s an important player, and getting everyone back matters. Matches last 100 minutes now — substitutions can decide games.”
Champions League first, Scudetto talk later
Asked about Milan’s broader objectives, Allegri refused to be drawn into title speculation. “We’re having a good season,” he said. “But winning is never normal — only one team wins. We started with the goal of returning to the Champions League, and right now we’re in the top four. That doesn’t mean anything yet.”
When pressed on whether he would “sign immediately” for a potential Scudetto playoff against Inter, Allegri shut it down. “Inter have had an extraordinary season. Nineteen wins and one draw speaks for itself. But first, we think about getting three points in Pisa. Then we’ll see.”
VAR, referees… and Brignone
The press conference ended with two topics far from the pitch. Allegri praised Federica Brignone for her comeback performances, using her as an example of Italian excellence across sports. “We Italians sometimes think we’re worse than everyone else,” he said. “Then we look at the results — skiing, tennis, volleyball — and the history speaks for itself. We should be proud.”
On refereeing and VAR, Allegri struck a familiar tone. “Fifty years ago, people argued about referees’ decisions. Now there’s VAR, which should help. Objectivity can be improved, but everything else is subjective. If a penalty is given for you, nobody complains; if it’s against you, there’s controversy. We talk too much about referees — it would be better to talk about football.”
For Milan, though, talk is over. Now it’s time to deliver — starting in Pisa.
