Milan coach calls for more clinical finishing from Nkunku and opens the door to a three-man attack
For the first time this season, Massimiliano Allegri said it out loud:
“The title race? I think it’s over.”
After Milan’s underwhelming performance in Naples, the gap at the top has become too large to ignore, with Inter pulling away and Napoli also ahead.
Now, the focus shifts entirely to securing a top-four finish.
Champions League now the priority
Allegri made it clear that Milan’s objective has changed.
“Saturday won’t decide our Champions League fate,” he said. “We need to maintain our advantage.”
With a cushion over rivals like Como, Juventus, and Roma, Milan remains in control—but cannot afford slip-ups.
Nkunku under scrutiny
Without directly criticizing his players, Allegri sent a clear message to Christopher Nkunku.
“He had two good chances—someone like him has to score, or at least hit the target,” Allegri said.
The issue wasn’t limited to finishing. Milan also struggled with technical precision in key moments.
“In the first half, we recovered the ball in dangerous areas but made poor decisions,” he added.
A cautious opening to the trident
One of the biggest takeaways from Allegri’s comments was a tactical shift.
For the first time, he openly admitted that a three-man attack could start games—not just come off the bench.
“It’s possible,” he said. “But it depends on the players’ condition.”
Fitness remains a major concern:
- Christian Pulisic has only just returned to training
- Rafael Leão has struggled with injuries
“Rafa has had many physical issues this season,” Allegri noted.
Too little, too late
Milan’s late push in Naples came only after conceding—and even then, it lacked real danger.
Despite increased pressure, the Rossoneri failed to seriously test the opposition goalkeeper.
A familiar problem: possession without cutting edge.
A new phase for Milan
With the Scudetto dream fading, Milan enters the final stretch of the season with a different mission:
- Secure Champions League qualification
- Improve attacking efficiency
- Possibly evolve tactically with a front three
The margin for error is smaller now.
And the expectations remain high.
