Massimiliano Allegri praised Mario Balotelli for his “enthusiasm” and improved behaviour after inspiring a 1-0 Milan victory over Chievo.
Massimiliano Allegri praised Mario Balotelli for his “enthusiasm” and improved behaviour after inspiring a 1-0 Milan victory over Chievo.
Riccardo Montolivo turned in the rebound after one of Balotelli’s many free kicks was parried at the Bentegodi.
“Balotelli arrived in January and we didn’t have anyone who could take free kicks so well,” said the Coach.
“Montolivo did well on the goal, but today Balotelli found the target on every occasion from any distance or angle. He’s a great talent and has improved in terms of his behaviour, as he was kicked a few times today and stayed quiet.
“Mario is playing with enthusiasm, he feels like a protagonist at Milan and I think he can do much more, as the quality is remarkable.
“Stephan El Shaarawy needs to relax, as he doesn’t need to play for the goal at all times. In the second half he did very well, while he was too isolated on the left early on. The important thing is that the team plays well and wins.”
Milan kept a clean sheet and are still unbeaten in Serie A in 2013, temporarily leapfrogging Napoli into second place.
“The defence is the most important thing, and in fact the top three teams have the best defensive records,” added Allegri.
“If you defend well, then you attack better, that’s just logical. We deserved the victory today and Christian Abbiati also deserves praise for a wonderful save on Luciano.”