Allegri: ‘Scudetto race not for Milan, Champions League is our objective’

Following their loss to Napoli, AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri conceded that the Serie A title contention is beyond their reach this season, emphasizing that securing a spot in the Champions League remains the primary goal and requires continued effort.

At the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Milan opted for significant tactical adjustments, benching the not-yet-fully-fit Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic in favor of a new attacking duo, Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku.

The team found it difficult to threaten Vanja Milinkovic-Savic's goal and ultimately succumbed to a late Matteo Politano volley, which capitalized on a weak headed clearance from Koni De Winter.

Allegri Reflects on Napoli's 1-0 Victory Over Milan

Speaking to DAZN Italia, Allegri remarked, "The match presented limited scoring chances, suggesting a single moment would be decisive." He continued, "Napoli effectively capitalized on theirs. Despite our defense being well-positioned, we conceded. In the second half, we needed to be more decisive in our offensive plays; our hesitation allowed them to regain control."

Starting a forward pairing that had not previously played together posed a considerable risk; questions arose regarding whether this decision was influenced by player fitness concerns.

Allegri defended his choices, stating, "I believe Nkunku and Fullkrug performed commendably; Nkunku contributed to the team and created a few chances. Players of his caliber must convert those opportunities." He added, "Football often boils down to these moments, and overall, the team played quite well. We permitted Spinazzola a shot in the first half, which we should have prevented, and then struggled with several counter-attacks." Allegri concluded, "We regained possession multiple times in their territory but often made inaccurate passes, and that lack of precision is crucial. We must certainly improve, as significant effort is still required to attain our objective: qualification for the Champions League."

While Allegri is known for introducing additional strikers when his team is trailing, observers questioned if Milan might consider deploying a 4-3-3 formation from the outset in future matches.

Regarding the 4-3-3 formation, Allegri explained, "It's an option we could start with, but it hinges on player fitness. Pulisic returned from international duty on Friday, and Leao, after a two-week absence, only had two partial training sessions. I might have implemented it sooner, but chose to let the game unfold." He also noted, "Regrettably, Rafa, despite a strong start to the season, has been hampered by a succession of injuries."

This match was a direct contest for second place, and Milan's defeat saw them drop to third, now trailing Napoli by two points and league leaders Inter by nine. More critically, their lead over fifth-placed Juventus has narrowed to just six points, meaning their Champions League qualification remains far from assured.

Allegri reiterated, "The Scudetto title is currently out of our reach; Inter is nine points ahead, and Napoli has surpassed us. Our focus must be on our own performance, taking each game as it comes. We are currently on track for our objective, but this won't be settled in a week or two; we must consolidate our position by striving for victories."