Milan 3-2 Torino – Allegri: ‘Fullkrug needs consistency, Pavlovic has improved a lot’
Massimiliano Allegri could barely contain his emotion after Milan edged a 3-2 victory over Torino, a result that keeps the Rossoneri firmly in the hunt for Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A.
The win was all the more significant given defeats against Parma and Lazio in the past month had briefly threatened to derail Milan’s title challenge at a critical stage of the season.
Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here
Allegri was so wound up during the match that he was caught telling referee Doveri he would quit football, a comment he addressed with characteristic humour in his post-match interview, with quotes via MilanNews.
“It was the heat of the moment,” he laughed. “I am getting on in years and I would not want my heart to give out. The match was very important for us at that point.”
The first half was not straightforward, with Torino presenting real problems in the first 30 minutes.
“We were forcing play inside the field too much and conceding too many counter-attacks,” Allegri admitted. “In the second half the players grew physically too, which was not easy after the equaliser at the end of the first half.”
Tactically, Allegri shed light on Alexis Saelemaekers’ demanding role in his 4-3-3.
“He is our balance player, when we defend he must be the fifth, when we attack he must be the third forward. Sometimes he arrives at the end of games a little spent.” The introduction of Pulisic wide helped open up a Torino side with a compact central block.
Milan 3-2 Torino – Allegri defends Fullkrug and gives Pavlovic his flowers
Niklas Fullkrug was another subject of analysis, with Allegri defending the German striker while pointing to a broader truth about players who lack consistent minutes.
“It is not easy when you do not have continuity, the physical structure suffers,” he said. “He had a difficult first half but a much better second. Compare that to Ricci, who because of his physicality and mentality can come on at any point and immediately be in match mode. Players are different.”
The head coach was clear that Fullkrug’s second-half improvement was the kind of response he needed.
On Strahinja Pavlovic’s performance, capped off with a spectacular goal from range, Allegri was full of praise.
“He played a great match tonight, he has improved a lot,” he said. “He has character, soul, he defended well in open play. He is growing significantly and I am delighted.”
With the international break now arriving, Allegri took the opportunity for a light-hearted dig at his forwards.
“This week I ask nothing of anyone, the break is the only thing I asked them not to ruin for me. But the attackers will return to scoring in the decisive moments after the pause.”
Next up after the break is a trip to Napoli, second versus third, a match Allegri described simply as “a beautiful evening of football and sport.”