Massimiliano Allegri, the tactician for AC Milan, has expressed confidence in Christian Pulisic despite his lack of goals in 2026. He also confirmed the players who are slated to step in for the injured Luka Modric and deliberately sidestepped questions regarding a potential summer sale of Rafael Leao.
Speaking at his usual pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of the game against Sassuolo, Allegri began by honoring the late Formula One driver and Paralympian, Alex Zanardi, who passed away at 59. Allegri described Zanardi as an exemplary figure in life and sport, embodying professionalism and passion, and extended his condolences to his family.
The conversation then shifted to Serie A matters. A significant challenge for Allegri is filling the void left by Luka Modric, who will be sidelined for the rest of the season after fracturing his cheekbone in the previous match against Juventus.
Allegri expressed his regret over Modric’s severe injury, which will prevent his return until the season’s end, despite the player’s strong desire to come back. He highlighted Modric’s passion for his work and hoped this would serve as a lesson for other players. Allegri indicated that he has capable replacements in Jashari and Ricci, both of whom he believes have developed significantly and earned his trust. He specifically praised Jashari’s progress, noting his eagerness and potential, and considered him an excellent signing for Milan.
Allegri confirmed recent discussions with Milan’s senior management, clarifying that these are standard evaluations covering both the current season’s performance and future plans, with a final assessment to be made at the season’s conclusion. He emphasized that while a foundation has been laid, securing a Champions League spot remains the primary objective.
When questioned about the ongoing refereeing controversy in Serie A, Allegri stated he had not formed a definitive opinion, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the topic and deferring judgment to the relevant authorities. He observed that the recent round of matches was positive for the referees, who performed well under challenging psychological conditions.
With the Champions League qualification as Milan’s consistent focus throughout the season, and Inter Milan nearing the Scudetto title, Allegri was asked if securing second place is now the team’s main goal. He responded by stressing the importance of giving their best in the upcoming difficult match against Sassuolo, a team known for its technical ability and attacking prowess. Allegri commended Sassuolo’s coach, Grosso, as a revelation in Serie A for his significant growth and effective development despite initial career challenges. He underscored the importance of approaching the remaining four games with composure to avoid losing sight of their objective.
Regarding the possibility of Rafael Leao departing the club in the summer transfer window, Allegri declined to comment on market speculation at this time. He reiterated that the team’s immediate priority is returning to the Champions League, and the entire squad must remain focused on this goal. He added that evaluations would be made at the end of the season to assess potential improvements.
Allegri also spoke about summer signing Christopher Nkunku, acknowledging his technical qualities and past difficulties, but noting his recent goal-scoring contributions. He suggested that strikers might begin finding the net more consistently. He pointed out that the financial value of a player is not the sole determinant of their success, as various factors influence performance from year to year.
Regarding Santiago Gimenez, who has recently returned from injury but struggled to secure a regular starting position, Allegri described him as an important player. He acknowledged the significant ankle injury that kept him sidelined for four to five months, making a late-season return challenging due to the required pace. Despite a difficult year, Allegri affirmed Gimenez’s commitment and value.
Addressing Christian Pulisic’s goal drought in 2026, Allegri emphasized his importance to Milan, highlighting the scarcity of players with his caliber. He stressed that individual performance in a specific year should not overshadow fundamental values. Allegri noted Pulisic’s recent lack of goals but acknowledged his active contribution to the team. He urged players to prioritize team objectives over personal statistics, emphasizing the importance of an excellent attitude from everyone, both starters and substitutes, to achieve desired results through strong defensive and offensive play.