Massimiliano Allegri, the coach of AC Milan, expressed his confidence in Christian Pulisic despite the player’s lack of goals in 2026. Allegri also provided an update on the players who will step in for the injured Luka Modric and chose not to comment on speculation surrounding a potential summer sale of Rafael Leao.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of AC Milan’s upcoming match against Sassuolo, Allegri began by paying tribute to the late Alex Zanardi, a former Formula One driver and Paralympian, remembering him as an inspiration with exceptional human and sporting values.
The focus then shifted to Serie A and the challenge of replacing Luka Modric, who is out for the rest of the season with a fractured cheekbone. Allegri expressed regret over the injury but noted Modric’s strong desire to return. He highlighted Jashari and Ricci as capable replacements who have developed significantly, stating his full confidence in them. Allegri specifically praised Jashari’s growth, ambition, and future potential, calling him an excellent signing for Milan.
Allegri confirmed he has held discussions with the club’s senior management regarding both the current season’s performance and future plans. He emphasized that while a foundation has been laid, the primary objective remains securing a place in the Champions League. He also commented on the ongoing refereeing scandal in Serie A, calling it a delicate matter and acknowledging the referees’ efforts in the recent round of matches.
With qualification for the Champions League seemingly within reach and Inter Milan on the verge of winning the Scudetto, Allegri addressed the team’s aim for a second-place finish. He stressed the importance of giving their best in the remaining four games, starting with a difficult match against Sassuolo, a team he described as technically gifted and capable of scoring at any moment. He also commended Sassuolo’s coach, Grosso, as a revelation of the season for his significant progress.
When questioned about the possibility of Rafael Leao departing the club in the summer transfer window, Allegri stated that it was too early to discuss market rumors. He reiterated that the team’s sole focus must be on achieving Champions League qualification, with individual player evaluations to be made at the end of the season.
Allegri also spoke about summer signing Christopher Nkunku, acknowledging his technical abilities and past difficulties, but pointing out his recent goal contributions. He suggested that strikers might start scoring more frequently. Allegri added that a player’s performance can vary from year to year due to multiple factors, and the club does not dwell on the financial value of players.
Regarding Santiago Gimenez, who has struggled to break into the team after returning from injury, Allegri acknowledged the player’s importance and the difficulty of reintegrating after a prolonged absence. He described Gimenez as a committed and valuable player despite a challenging year.
Addressing Christian Pulisic’s goalless streak in 2026, Allegri insisted that Pulisic is a crucial player for Milan, and his value extends beyond scoring. He emphasized that the team’s collective goal is paramount, and all players, whether starting or coming off the bench, must maintain an excellent attitude and contribute to both defensive and offensive efforts to achieve desired results. Allegri concluded by stating that some fundamental player values remain constant regardless of short-term performance fluctuations.
English Translation:
Massimiliano Allegri, the coach of AC Milan, has stated he is not worried about Christian Pulisic’s lack of goals in 2026. He confirmed the players who are set to fill in for the injured Luka Modric and avoided commenting on the potential sale of Rafael Leao this summer.
The Rossoneri manager spoke at his usual pre-match press conference on Saturday, ahead of his team’s upcoming game against Sassuolo. Allegri began by paying tribute to former Formula One driver and Paralympian Alex Zanardi, who recently passed away at the age of 59. He called Zanardi an example in life and a symbol of human and sporting values, praising his professionalism and passion for sports and offering his condolences to the family.
The conversation then turned to the Serie A match. A significant challenge for Allegri is how to replace Luka Modric, who will miss the rest of the season after fracturing his cheekbone last weekend. Allegri expressed his sympathy for the serious injury but noted Modric’s strong desire to return. He stated that they have excellent players to replace him, specifically mentioning Jashari and Ricci, who have shown significant growth and whom he trusts. Allegri highlighted Jashari’s development, mentioning an early-season injury that sidelined him for a long period, and praised his enthusiasm and forward-thinking attitude, considering him an excellent signing for Milan.
Allegri confirmed recent meetings with AC Milan’s senior management, describing them as routine. He explained that evaluations are made not only for the future but also on the current season’s progress, with a final assessment to come at the season’s end. He added that a foundation has been built, but the team needs to qualify for the Champions League.
Allegri was also asked about the ongoing refereeing scandal in Serie A. He stated he has not yet formed an opinion on the matter, recognizing it as sensitive and subject to evaluation by the relevant authorities. He noted that the previous round of matches was positive for the referees, who performed well under challenging psychological conditions.
Throughout the season, Allegri has maintained that returning to the Champions League is Milan’s primary objective. With qualification seeming likely and Inter Milan poised to win the Scudetto, potentially this weekend, Allegri was asked if a second-place finish is now the team’s target. He replied that they must do their best. He anticipates a tough game against Sassuolo, a team with good technical ability and the potential to score at any time, possessing good players and a capable coach. Allegri praised Sassuolo’s coach, Grosso, as the season’s revelation, noting his significant progress despite early career difficulties. He stressed the importance of approaching the upcoming match, the first of the final four, with calmness to avoid missing their goal.
When asked about the possibility of Rafael Leao leaving the club during the summer transfer window, Allegri stated that discussing the market at this point is unproductive. He urged the team to focus one step at a time on their goal of returning to the Champions League. He mentioned that evaluations would be made at the end of the season to determine how to improve upon the current year’s work.
Allegri also commented on summer signing Christopher Nkunku, acknowledging his strong technical qualities and recent goal-scoring contributions despite some difficulties. He suggested that strikers might begin scoring more regularly. He also noted that a player’s performance can fluctuate due to various factors, and the club does not focus on the financial value of individual players.
Regarding Santiago Gimenez, who has found it difficult to break into the team since returning from injury, Allegri described him as an important player who joined last year but suffered an immediate ankle problem. He explained that the injury kept him out for four to five months this year, making it challenging to regain rhythm at the end of the season. Allegri acknowledged Gimenez’s commitment and called him a valuable player despite a difficult year.
On Christian Pulisic, who has not lacked opportunities but remains without a goal in 2026, Allegri insisted that Pulisic is an important player for Milan, and finding players of his caliber is difficult. He stressed that one should not solely focus on whether players perform well or not in a particular year, as some fundamental values remain constant. Allegri acknowledged that Pulisic has been missing goals in recent games but has been active. He emphasized the need for players to put personal goals aside and work for the team, as their ultimate objective is too important. He added that all players must exhibit an excellent attitude to achieve results, contributing effectively in both defense and attack.