Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan defeated Napoli 2-1 at San Siro in a hard-fought and intense match. After the final whistle, the Rossoneri coach spoke to DAZN, analyzing his team’s performance and commenting on key players like Rafael Leao and Luka Modric.
«I’m happy because this was an important test for us, and it wasn’t easy against Napoli» – Allegri said – «We played a good first half, and in the second we worked on our defensive phase. The boys did really well, but it’s only the beginning».
The Milan coach then reflected on the team’s mentality, stressing the importance of embracing difficult moments:
«There will be other matches where we have to suffer like this, but if we play this way, it’s easier to bring them home. If it had ended in a draw, nothing would have changed considering what happened on the field. Plus, we have Leao, who’s improving a lot».
On the team’s tactical approach, Allegri explained that this style of play isn’t new:
«Honestly, we’ve been playing this way since our first match against Arsenal or Liverpool. It depends on the characteristics of the attacking midfielders, but we’ve always worked like this. Then we make adjustments in training».
Rafael Leao came off the bench, as he’s still not fully fit. Allegri addressed his role and the competition up front:
«We have five players for two or three attacking spots. The important thing is for everyone to keep improving, including Leao. Today I had to bring him on, even though he’s not at 100%. Whoever plays needs to run a lot because from the 60th minute on, it’s like a completely different game».
He also praised Luka Modric, who impressed in a deeper role in midfield:
«Luka is so intelligent, and in Italy it’s easier to manage the game when you play in front of the defense».
Finally, Allegri looked back at the earlier match against Cremonese, which had left some regrets:
«Football is strange. Against Cremonese, we conceded goals on their only two crosses, but the performance was there. Today we took an important step forward».
With this win, Milan continues to grow under Allegri’s guidance, but the coach remains cautious: the season has only just begun, and there’s still a long road ahead.
