Milan coach focused on Inter clash while reaffirming his future at the club
Massimiliano Allegri approached the Milan derby with his usual mix of calm and irony, insisting that AC Milan must treat the match like any other — even if the stakes are enormous.
Speaking at Milanello ahead of the clash with Inter Milan, the Rossoneri coach reminded everyone that the derby may capture global attention but ultimately still carries the same value in the standings.
“It’s always a special game,” Allegri said. “First against second in the table, but the three points are the same as those we won in Cremona.”
“Leão Shouldn’t Stay Locked at Home”
One of the lighter moments of the press conference came when Allegri was asked about the preparation of Rafael Leão.
Reports suggested the Portuguese star had spent the entire week quietly at home ahead of the derby. Allegri responded with a joke — but also a message.
“If he stayed home every night, he made a mistake,” Allegri said with a smile. “Just because there’s a derby doesn’t mean players can’t go out.”
For the Milan coach, maintaining normal routines can sometimes be the best way to avoid unnecessary pressure before a big match.
Respect for Inter’s Strength
Despite the rivalry, Allegri spoke openly about the quality of Inter’s squad.
“They’ve been fighting for the top two spots for six years,” he said. “That tells you everything about their level.”
According to Allegri, Inter possess a mix of physical strength and technical ability that makes them one of the most complete teams in the league.
“They’re the strongest team in the championship,” he added, pointing to the attacking options that could cause problems for Milan’s defense.
Milan’s Situation
Milan still have several injury concerns heading into the derby.
Defenders Matteo Gabbia and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will miss the match, while Santiago Giménez is improving but not yet ready to return to full training.
Bartesaghi trained with the group and could be available, while Pervis Estupiñán is fully fit.
Even with those absences, Allegri emphasized that motivation remains high inside the squad.
“At this stage of the season motivation makes the difference,” he said. “We’re all in good condition and we hope to get a result.”
Focus on the Champions League Target
Allegri also addressed questions about his own future.
The coach is under contract with Milan until 2027 and says he is fully committed to the club’s project.
“I’m happy here,” he said. “We’ve started an important process and we’re satisfied with how things are going.”
For now, the focus is not on long-term speculation but on achieving the team’s immediate objective: qualification for the Champions League.
“We need many more points,” Allegri explained. “Five wins could be enough, so let’s try to get the first one tomorrow.”
A Message for the Fans
Finally, Allegri commented on the controversy surrounding Alessandro Bastoni, who has recently been booed by opposing fans.
The Milan coach preferred to shift the conversation back to his own team.
“The most important thing our supporters must do is support Milan,” he said. “They have to help the players and push the team.”
With Milan sitting just one point behind SSC Napoli and several teams still battling near the top of the table, the derby could reshape the title race.
But Allegri’s message remains consistent.
“When you coach Milan, the ambition is always to win,” he said. “You just have to work with patience and attention to detail.”
