|
|
Allegri praises AC Milan's spirit after comeback win over Udinese
The Rossoneri boss hailed his side's cohesion, which he feels played an important role in eventually digging out the victory, and called for focus against Juventus next week
Feb 11, 2012 8:00:00 PM
By Livio Caferoglu
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has opined that team spirit made all the difference, after the champions managed to come from behind to beat Udinese 2-1 in Serie A on Saturday.
An Antonio Di Natale strike put the Rossoneri a goal down inside just 19 minutes, but a pair of second half strikes from Maxi Lopez and Stephan El Shaarawy ensured they ended a winless run of three matches - a feat the 42-year-old has put down to their teamwork.
"I think we played a good game. We started well but were punished during the first half. In the second half we improved, and showed more courage and took more risks," said Allegri.
"We were concerned by our recent results, but we had to beat Udinese. Our spirit has made the difference. We were cohesive, especially in second half."
Allegri then gave a positive response to how he felt the team functioned without the presence of the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their ranks, before underlining the importance of his side's forthcoming league clash with Juventus.
"When there's no Ibrahimovic, the players display different characteristics, as shown today. Maxi Lopez gave us depth and did a great job.
"I do not know if it is decisive, but it certainly is important. Now we must concentrate on the match against Juventus," concluded Allegri.
Milan are now two points ahead of Juventus at the top of the table, but the Bianconeri have two games in hand.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
An Antonio Di Natale strike put the Rossoneri a goal down inside just 19 minutes, but a pair of second half strikes from Maxi Lopez and Stephan El Shaarawy ensured they ended a winless run of three matches - a feat the 42-year-old has put down to their teamwork.
"I think we played a good game. We started well but were punished during the first half. In the second half we improved, and showed more courage and took more risks," said Allegri.
"We were concerned by our recent results, but we had to beat Udinese. Our spirit has made the difference. We were cohesive, especially in second half."
Allegri then gave a positive response to how he felt the team functioned without the presence of the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their ranks, before underlining the importance of his side's forthcoming league clash with Juventus.
"When there's no Ibrahimovic, the players display different characteristics, as shown today. Maxi Lopez gave us depth and did a great job.
"I do not know if it is decisive, but it certainly is important. Now we must concentrate on the match against Juventus," concluded Allegri.
Milan are now two points ahead of Juventus at the top of the table, but the Bianconeri have two games in hand.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Discover football's best & worst pledges
Goal.com takes a look back at some of the best and worst promises made by members of the football fraternity over the years
-
Spain's Euro 2012 hopes hit hard by Villa blow
The Barcelona striker will be out of the continental competition after failing to fully recover from a broken tibia sustained in December's Club World Cup. He will be sorely missed
-
Cartoon: Drogba waves goodbye to Chelsea
The Ivorian confirmed his intention to leave Stamford Bridge on Tuesday after eight years at the club, meaning his final kick for the Blues sealed Champions League glory
-
Conte claims Serie A Coach of the Season award
The Italian led Juventus to the Scudetto with an unbeaten record and is deemed the best trainer on the peninsula by the readers in our end-of-term vote
-
All the players available for free in England
A host of big-name Premier League stars are out of contract at the end of the season and Goal.com gives you the top five bargains who will be snapped up for absolutely nothing
