Massimiliano Allegri explains why Matthijs de Ligt doesn’t start against Milan and says the Bianconeri must be ‘precise on a technical level’ against the Rossoneri.
“We need to play well and be precise on a technical level,” the coach told DAZN.
“Milan are in excellent shape, they’ve been getting great results for almost two years now. We haven’t yet won in Serie A this season, but hope tonight will be the first.”
Allegri surprised by picking Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini as the back two, leaving Matthijs de Ligt on the bench.
“Let’s just say I needed someone left-footed on that side, it’s not an issue of experience, because De Ligt has played many games already.
“De Ligt has started three out of four, this is the fifth, and we have to rotate with a game coming up midweek. When you play every three days, rotation is necessary.
“I think the team is doing better physically now and the win in Malmo boosted our confidence compared to the first three Serie A rounds.”
Stefano Pioli pulled some surprises too by using Fikayo Tomori as a right-back replacing injured Davide Calabria, although it did not surprise Allegri.
“I did guess he would start this line-up. I hope he didn’t guess mine!”