"You have to bring home the victory." Massimiliano Allegri didn't mince words when presenting today's match, which will see Milan host Udinese at the San Siro. The Rossoneri coach is honest, after all it couldn't have been otherwise.
The classification cries and the break, usually restorative, certainly didn't help to calm the environment. First the defeat in Caen, a dry 3-0 against the seventh of the French Serie B which infuriated Galliani, then Balotelli's injury, a tile as big as it was unexpected. He always rains in the wet, in one direction and in the other. In fact, this Milan would have really needed Super Mario, instead he will have to do without it tonight and, probably, also on Tuesday against Barcelona. A big problem for Allegri and for the boy, who after the week in chiaroscuro (a goal against Armenia and many, many controversies) will once again be forced to cheer on his teammates from the stands.
“His position is not simple – admitted the Rossoneri coach at the press conference. – Everything he does is exalted to the highest level. But this is the fate of great champions, he must understand who he is and the character he represents, and manage himself better. To improve one's image sacrifices are necessary, otherwise the media will be given room to make controversies. We are sorry not to have him against Udinese, it will be the fourth game in a row that he will miss". The Milan world trembles, especially in view of Barcelona. The challenge against the Blaugrana is already prohibitive, let alone without Balotelli… “On Monday we will make a further assessment – revealed Allegri. – If we have it better, otherwise we will do without. Milan's extra weapon has always been the group”. And the Tuscan coach clings to that, who to cement him opted for a retirement that, to many, appeared to be punitive. “It's not like that – replied the coach. – After the break, being together for a while can only do good, it's important to be united. We have to be responsible for our deficit ranking.
It's useless to get around it, tonight Milan can't really make a mistake. After Udinese, the Rossoneri will meet Parma, Lazio, Fiorentina and Chievo, without forgetting the double challenge with Barcelona. A real tour de force, in which no missteps will be allowed. We start with the Friulians, who have been disastrous away this year (three defeats in as many games) and yet always insidious at San Siro. “The races have never been easy with them – confirmed Allegri. – They have good technical values, a player up front who always makes the difference (Di Natale, ed) and a coach who, in his career, has shown that he can do great things. We must have patience and not be neurotic”. It won't be easy, also because the list of unavailable is always quite well stocked. In addition to Balotelli, long-term patients De Sciglio, El Shaarawy, Pazzini and Bonera will be missing, without forgetting De Jong and Mexes, both disqualified.
In short, formations to invent, in particular in defense, where the former Inter player Silvestre will make his debut in the Rossoneri shirt, also returning from a long break. Montolivo will be back in front of the defence, Birsa will play in the trocar behind Robinho and Matri. Only bench instead for Kakà, still far from the best condition. “Ricardo has half an hour in his legs, no more – explained Allegri. – His recovery will be gradual, we can't risk another relapse. The important thing is to have him available, this is a first step towards his definitive return". A bit like what the coach hopes will happen against Udinese. The first step towards a comeback in the standings hoped for by the whole world Milan.
