Allegri discusses Champions League needs, Fullkrug’s future and room for improvement: “Boys did well”

Massimiliano Allegri has spoken to the media after his AC Milan facet grabbed their first dwelling win of 2026 at San Siro. An enormous end result, certainly.

After an enormous win towards Como in midweek, Milan confronted a problem that they’ve struggled with all season, going through one of many ‘smaller’ groups within the league. Often, the Rossoneri have stumbled when it has mattered, and it has considerably affected their likelihood of a Scudetto.

Nonetheless, issues could also be turning, even after the 2 attracts towards Genoa and Fiorentina initially of the New Yr.

On Sunday night time, the Diavolo dominated, however they did finally get their purpose, even when it took 20 efforts on purpose, because of Niclas Fullkrug.

Allegri’s overview of Milan-Lecce

Talking after the sport, Allegri touched on a number of matters, together with the truth that Fullkrug’s purpose was the sixth scored by a substitute this season. MilanNews have relayed his phrases to DAZN.

Sixth purpose with substitutions… And on Fullkrug…

“It’s all of the elements. With 5 substitutions and the way in which soccer is today, substitutions turn out to be essential. Whoever comes on should elevate the bar and, particularly at sure moments of the sport like tonight, when Fullkrug was wanted within the penalty space, even be extra mentally recent.

“The boys performed nicely, simply as they did in Como. It reveals that they’re a beautiful group that’s on an essential path. We’re nonetheless midway there; we nonetheless have numerous factors to realize to succeed in the purpose we set out for.”

Is it doable to see Fullkrug with Pulisic and Leao from the beginning?

“He’s arrived now, he hadn’t educated a lot lately towards West Ham, then he took this knock on the foot… It’s an essential answer for these ultimate phases of matches, similar to in Como and right now. I feel we will play Pulisic and Leao, whether or not it’s Nkunku and Pulisic, Nkunku and Leao…

“The factor we have to do higher is precision within the ultimate passes. With two gamers like that, we will get inside with a bit extra ball on the bottom, having a little bit of persistence. Being somewhat extra clear-headed, faster and never too hasty within the ultimate 20 metres like we did within the first half.

“They performed with a really excessive defence and didn’t drop again a lot. We simply wanted extra crescents[arcingruns’totrytoavoidoffsidesafewballsoverthemidfielderswouldn’thavebeenbadTheninthesecondhalftheydroppedoffabitandweincreasedtherevs[arcingruns’totrytoavoidoffsidesafewballsoverthemidfielderswouldn’thavebeenbadTheninthesecondhalftheydroppedoffabitandweincreasedtherevs

“This is a good sign in terms of ball speed and running. Lecce had conceded 32 goals before today, but the 55% of those 32 were conceded in the last quarter of an hour. It’s synonymous with a team that keeps you in the game, making it very difficult to score against them, and the boys did well.”

Milan is up 15 points from last year with the second-best attack and second-best defence. But it seems like there’s still plenty of room for improvement. How are you doing after these close matches?

“We’re in a good position, just look at us physically. It’s normal for these close-quarter matches to stress you more mentally than physically. Jashari had a really good game today, both in terms of dribbling and the intensity of his runs.

“Ricci had a good game, but Ricci plays as a midfielder, which I think is a role he does very well. He’s intelligent, he provides coverage, he pairs up with the deep-lying playmaker, and at the same time, he’s vertical when he has to get inside.

“Estupinan came back; it wasn’t easy for him, and he also had a good game. There’s a good spirit, and when you play with 15 men, it has its advantages.

When will you stop saying that the goal is fourth place?

“When we’re mathematically in the top four. There’s still time. As of today, I repeat, the Champions League odds are 74. While the Scudetto odds are 86/88. Juventus is fifth with 39 points, averaging two points per game and 17 matches, reaching 73.

“If they get more than two points per game, their Champions League odds will rise. Whether they get more than two points per game, we’ll see over time; in the meantime, this is their Champions League odds.”

The coach also spoke to MilanTV, with the words relayed by MilanNews.

A clear victory…

“The best thing about tonight was seeing Milan attacking, but also good at preventing the ball in defence.”

Now you head to Rome…

“I’m satisfied, yes, the boys are doing well. Now, however, we have three important and difficult away matches ahead of us, against Roma, Bologna, and Pisa.”

About Niclas Füllkrug…

“He’s a guy with incredible enthusiasm; it’s very important for us to have a guy like him at our disposal.”

A different group…

“This group has become a team. We know we did something important tonight, but next Sunday we play Roma, and it will be another test for us, a very important one. We’re happy, but let’s focus on Roma now.”

There is Rabiot…

“He’s a player fit for the Champions League final. He’s got a special engine, and above all, great athleticism. Like everyone else, we’re happy to have him here at Milan.”