Allegri warns Milan: ‘Easy to stay focused against Arsenal and Liverpool’

“We are in the final stage of the tour and we’ve worked well. We have to play seriously and respect the opponent, who will give their all,” Allegri told reporters via Milannews.

“It will be an important test for them, but also for us. It’s a key test to improve our physical shape and tactical condition.

“It’s also an important mental test because it was easy to stay focused against Arsenal and Liverpool. Tomorrow, we’ll see how much we’ve grown mentally and in terms of respecting the opponent.”

The Rossoneri have been working under Allegri for nearly a month, and the Italian tactician was asked for a prediction on the Serie A title race.

“Napoli are the favourites to win the Scudetto because they are the defending champions,” he said.

“Then there’s Inter, who are strong and have been doing an excellent job for years. Then Juventus, Atalanta, Roma, Fiorentina and Lazio. Many teams will fight for the top four. Not playing in European competitions means we can train all week, but the downside is that Milan need to play in the Champions League to test ourselves against the top teams and the intensity of European football.”

Allegri ready to welcome Gimenez and Modric

Milan won’t be involved in any European competition this season after finishing 8th in 2024-25.

Santiago Gimenez and Luka Modric will resume training at Milanello in a few days. The pair were given extra days off as they had been busy with international duties and the Club World Cup until a few weeks ago.

“They’ll join the group, and some young players will return to Milan Futuro and the Primavera squad,” Allegri concluded.

“That’s how we’ll prepare for the final 15 days before the Coppa Italia debut against Bari. Estupinan is a strong player, and he’s settling into a group of guys with strong values, on and off the pitch.”