Allegri: Milan Must Avoid 'Disaster' in Champions League Race

Massimiliano Allegri, the coach of AC Milan, expressed confidence that his strikers will score decisive goals in their pursuit of a Champions League spot. However, he cautioned the team, stating, "We must not be overwhelmed by events, or it becomes a disaster."

Allegri addressed reporters on Friday, the eve of a Serie A match against Udinese. The Rossoneri recently dropped to third place after a 1-0 away defeat to Napoli, who consequently moved into second position.

Milan vs. Udinese – Allegri’s Pre-Match Press Conference

Reflecting on the recent results, Allegri commented, "The result influences the judgment. Balance must prevail until the end. We still need a few more points to reach our objective, and we have to get there step by step."

He acknowledged the team's recent scoring struggles, noting, "There are objective facts. In the last three matches, we’ve lost twice away and from the Parma game until now, we’ve failed to score in three games. It has to be dealt with calmly and with clarity."

While Milan's strong initial performance had positioned them as potential title contenders, Allegri has consistently emphasized that the primary goal for the 2025-26 season is Champions League qualification.

"Maybe we haven’t been good enough to be closer to Inter, which should push us to improve, without losing sight of the Champions League goal," the coach insisted. "There are seven matches left, and some teams are improving. During a season, there are moments when strikers score and others when they don’t. But I’m sure that from now until the end, they’ll score goals that will help us qualify for the Champions League."

Both Leao and Pulisic were introduced as second-half substitutes in the match against Napoli, with Pulisic yet to score in 2026. Allegri, however, remains unconcerned about their form.

"Unfortunately, Leao and Pulisic have had several injuries that have prevented them from reaching peak condition. But they’ve scored important goals," said the Rossoneri coach. He also mentioned new arrivals like Gimenez, who has just returned after a six-month layoff, and Fullkrug, who joined in January and is adapting to a new league.

"We have to reach our objective, whether we play with six forwards, eight, one or none. What matters is approaching matches proactively," Allegri continued. "Tomorrow will be difficult. Udinese are a physical team. They counterattack aggressively and control the pitch intensely."

He reiterated the importance of composure: "We need balance and clarity without being overwhelmed by events, because if we let ourselves be overwhelmed, it becomes a disaster."

Santiago Gimenez has made two substitute appearances since recovering from an ankle injury that required surgery in December. Allegri acknowledged that a period of adjustment is normal after such a layoff.

"We can’t just talk about Gimenez, Leao or anyone else. We have to look at where we are right now. All of us, myself included, need to give something more than we’ve given so far. It’s a decisive moment, one step at a time. I have full confidence in the quality of our attacking players. Let’s not forget that midfielders and defenders can score too. We need to be solid until the end, a united block, knowing that there will be difficulties in winning matches."