Massimiliano Allegri is happy to mark his 100th Milan game against hometown club Livorno, but is keeping alert.
This Serie A fixture kicks off at 17.00 GMT on Saturday, click here for a match preview.
Massimiliano Allegri is happy to mark his 100th Milan game against hometown club Livorno, but is keeping alert.
This Serie A fixture kicks off at 17.00 GMT on Saturday, click here for a match preview.
“It is an important achievement to have 100 games for Milan and to do it in my home town, in Livorno, is even more special,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“I hope to mark the occasion with a great victory. Some of the locals will applaud, others will jeer, but I am very happy that Livorno are back in Serie A and I’m sure they will remain here.”
The Rossoneri ended their dire run with two consecutive victories against Celtic and Catania, but Allegri is keeping his feet on the ground.
“Could we go for third place? It is very difficult to talk about that now and we have to take it one step at a time. Don’t forget a week ago people thought we were dead and buried. Now some claim we have resolved all our problems.
“So far we have not qualified for the Champions League knockouts and are still way behind in Serie A, so let’s keep our heads down and try to give a sense of consistency to these results.”
Kevin Constant is out with a muscular problem, but Christian Abbiati, Mattia De Sciglio, Philippe Mexes and Cristian Zapata all return to the squad.
“On Wednesday against Ajax we’ll have Ignazio Abate and Sulley Muntari available too. Stephan El Shaarawy and Mario Balotelli are in good shape, though Mario can do so much more considering the potential at his disposal. He is on the right track.
“When Kaka arrived he gave the impression of being able to do great things. His fitness levels can still improve, but he is important both on the pitch and in the locker room. When a Coach has someone like Kaka in his squad, he can consider himself fortunate.
“In defence we’ll start with either De Sciglio or Andrea Poli. Daniele Bonera is not a full-back. The centre-halves are Mexes and Zapata.
“We have improved, but only kept three clean sheets all season. We must do better, as if we don’t concede then it’s easier to win games. It won’t be easy tomorrow, as Livorno have been playing well.”