Ahead of Cremonese away, Milan boss confirms Gabbia out, hints at Gimenez return, and focuses on decisive March stretch
The decisive month has arrived for AC Milan, and Massimiliano Allegri knows it.
Speaking before Sunday’s lunchtime clash away at Cremonese, Allegri framed March as the turning point of the Rossoneri season — with Champions League qualification still the clear objective.
“We’ve reached March, and we’ve done fairly well so far,” Allegri said. “Maybe we could’ve done slightly better. But now everything is decided. From tomorrow, the downhill run begins.”
Milan sit chasing the top four, and while the gap to Inter grabs headlines, Allegri is calculating something else: the points still needed to mathematically secure fourth place.
“It’s Important to Return to Winning”
The recent loss to Parma ended a 24-match unbeaten run and delivered a psychological jolt.
“After six months without losing, we all felt the blow,” Allegri admitted. “On Tuesday we were a bit stunned. But we had a good week — thinking less and running more. Sooner or later a slip was bound to happen. Now we have to push again.”
He warned against distractions — even with four players one booking away from suspension ahead of the derby.
“I don’t look at yellow cards. The most important game is tomorrow.”
Injury Update: Gabbia Out, Gimenez Close
On team news, Matteo Gabbia will miss out.
“Gabbia is unavailable, we hope to have him back soon,” Allegri confirmed.
There was better news regarding Santiago Gimenez, who is nearing full fitness.
“He’s in good condition. It’s possible he’ll start training with the group this week. That’s a very positive sign.”
Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, has recovered from his dental issue — “they put all his teeth back in,” Allegri joked.
Attacking Choices Still Open
Allegri kept his cards close when asked about his attacking lineup.
“Leao and Pulisic together? Everyone up front is doing well,” he said. “I still haven’t decided who will play. The players coming off the bench will be crucial.”
He praised Rafael Leão’s adaptability in a central role, while noting that Milan don’t always need to funnel everything through a traditional No. 9.
“Leão and Füllkrug are two different types of center forwards. Rafa has moved well many times — sometimes we just haven’t found him.”
On His Future: “Total Alignment”
Speculation about Allegri’s position beyond this season has circulated, but the coach dismissed any rift with the club.
“There’s total alignment with the club,” he stated. “We talk, we compare ideas. In any discussion, someone sees things one way, someone another. That’s normal.”
He added: “I’m very happy to be back here. I’ve done eight years at Juventus, this is my fifth at Milan. You can build something important here too.”
VAR Debate: “No Alibis”
Allegri also addressed the ongoing refereeing and VAR discussions.
“The fact new rules are coming out is a positive sign — it means they’re trying to improve,” he said. “But changes shouldn’t be made just for the sake of it.”
His message to the squad is simple: no excuses.
“We can’t let an episode — a goal, a penalty, a foul — condition us. We must manage the unexpected. Otherwise we go in the wrong direction.”
For Milan, the equation is clear: win now, calculate later.
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