Allegri Sees Milan’s Attack on Hold, Vows to Fight Until Everyone Returns
29 October 2025
Match context and Allegri's assessment
Massimiliano Allegri, Milan's coach, acknowledged the team is going through a difficult spell in attack, stressing that players need more belief in what they do in the final third and that the squad will fight with everything they have until all the injured players return.
His remarks followed a disappointing 1-1 draw with Atalanta, a result that left Milan short of the league lead after last week's 2-2 stalemate with Pisa and another setback as the final ball stayed out.
The hosts produced several dangerous moments, most notably a Davide Zappacosta strike that goalkeeper Mike Maignan pushed away with his fingertips at the last moment, denying Atalanta a late winner.
Allegri spoke to Italian media ahead of the match, noting several injuries but saying the team answered the call defensively in the first half and improved after halftime, creating chances while still needing to tidy up the final passes.
Allegri explained the need to turn defence into attack more quickly and to sharpen finishing in the final third, adding that the team will be patient and continue to work until all players are back.
He also pointed out that Atalanta could not maintain high pressing throughout the game, and Milan should have capitalized when the visitors' tempo dropped, finishing better when opportunities arose.
On the concession, Allegri said the goal could have been avoided with a cleaner through ball, but he preferred to focus on pride in the performance and start preparing for the next match versus Roma.
He also noted the substitutions at half-time, including bringing on Christopher Nkunku for Rafael Leao and later replacing Santiago Gimenez after an ankle issue.
Milan are currently dealing with a string of injuries, with Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, and several others sidelined, while Robin Loftus-Cheek made a late return from the bench.
Allegri explained the reason for the changes: Leao had a minor hip issue and was not at his best by halftime, so the fresh legs were needed; Nkunku contributed but Rafael did not run at full speed.
Looked at the bigger picture, Milan's attack remains blunt in the box when Leao isn't firing, and Allegri praised Nkunku's early display as the visitors wore down in the final stretch.
Asked about injuries and the team's plan, he emphasized patience and hard work as Rome prepares, and he expressed hope that the whole squad will be back soon.
Ultimately, Milan pressed for a winner but could not convert, with Lookman’s equalizer marking a turning point and a string of late chances going begging as Atalanta held firm.
Next up comes a Rome test as Milan aim to rebound, with Allegri urging unity and continued work to restore the team’s cutting edge.
Sniper punchline 1: If Milan's finishing were a sniper, they'd miss at point-blank range and still call it “quality finishing.”
Sniper punchline 2: Allegri says the team will fight until everyone returns; meanwhile the goals are on vacation and the net is filing an extension request.
