Allegri insists ‘you never know in football’ ahead of Milan derby against Inter

Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri says that ‘you never know’ in football, but insists that his side’s only goal this season is to finish in the Champions League positions, not a Scudetto fight with their city rivals, Inter. 

Milan, currently second in Serie A after 27 matches, will take on the table-topping Inter in San Siro in a highly-anticipated Derby della Madonnina on Sunday evening. 

If the Nerazzurri claim victory, they will move 13 points clear at the top of the Serie A table with 10 league matches of the season left to go. If Milan win, they will cut the deficit to seven points, a margin they have previously chased down, albeit against Lazio in the 1998-99 season. 

Allegri previews Milan derby: ‘It’s always special’

Allegri sat down for his pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of tomorrow’s crunch match. The Rossoneri head coach discussed his side’s form, the reality of Milan’s situation in Serie A and the ‘special, special’ feeling heading into a derby. 

“The derby is always a special, special game. It’s beautiful to play and experience. It will definitely be a great evening of sport. But, the three points in the derby are worth the same as the three points next Sunday,” Allegri said (via TMW).

“It’s important to pick up points tomorrow, it won’t be easy against a strong team. We know the importance of the game but we will try to get a result.

“The only thing we have left to do is play it, then we’ll see how it ends. After the game we’ll see if we’re left at -10, at -7 or at -13. Regardless of tomorrow’s result, we know that 57 points isn’t enough to achieve our goal, which is to return to playing in the Champions League. Our schedule is tough and we’re still a few victories away.” 

Allegri went on to provide a medical update ahead of Sunday’s derby: “Everyone is fine apart from Gabbia, Loftus-Cheek and Gimenez, who will soon be with the team,” he said. “Bartesaghi trained yesterday, I’ll decide if he or Estupinan, who’s doing very well, will play tomorrow.” 

Looking at tomorrow’s opposition, Allegri said: “Inter score goals in lots of different ways. They’re good shooters from outside the box, they have great strength inside it. It depends on who plays tomorrow, if Dumfries will play. They have a lot of different solutions in front of goal. We also have great qualities to be able to play a good game and score against Inter.” 

There have been reports this week linking Allegri with a big move to Real Madrid. For now, he insists that he is focused on the task at hand with the Rossoneri. 

“I’m linked to Milan until 2027. My future is tomorrow. I’m fine at Milan and I’m very happy. We only started the journey in July. The club is working for the future. But until we reach our goal, we will have to stay focused on the present. We haven’t achieved anything yet.” 

Allegri was also asked what he makes of the recent booing that Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni has been subjected to following his involvement in the sending off of Pierre Kalulu during last month’s Derby d’Italia. 

“I don’t want to make any appeals. All I can say is that the Milan fans will have to help us and support us as they have done from day one. The thing they will have to do first and foremost is support Milan.” 

Allegri was asked if he thinks Milan will be able to catch Inter if they win on Sunday. He said: “You never know what happens in football. In the meantime, we’ll just play tomorrow. I don’t know if we’ll re-open the race for the Scudetto, but we’re five wins away from the Champions League, so if we win tomorrow, we’ll be missing one less.” 

Milan have had a full week to prepare for Sunday’s derby, while Inter have only had a matter of days given their midweek involvement in the Coppa Italia. 

Allegri was asked if he feels he has had too much time to prepare compared to Cristian Chivu and his team. 

“Let’s see how it goes. Puulisic is growing in terms of his condition, Leao as well, Estupinan also on a mental level. The guys are all fine. Fullkrug is also doing better. He played for a month suffering with his toe, now he’s better too. Rabiot was stopped through suspension, Jashari’s growing in condition. We’ll play and hope to get a result tomorrow.”