Massimiliano Allegri joked that he hopes that he has got the starting XI right, given it looks like AC Milan have switched to a front three.
For Milan, it is imperative to get back to winning ways following the defeat against Napoli on Easter Monday. While that may have put an end to the slim hopes of a Scudetto comeback, it also reduced the gap to fifth place down to six points, with seven games to go.
Udinese are an opponent that have given Milan a very tough time in the past, even if they did win their last two away games 4-0 and 3-0 against the Zebre. The big team news is that Allegri has chosen to go with a 4-3-3 formation from minute one for the first time.
Allegri spoke to DAZN in the build-up to kick-off at San Siro to answer questions about what is a crucial game and regarding his line-up choices. MilanNews relayed what he had to say.
Is balance the key word today?
“We’ve lost twice in our last three games, so in these moments, we shouldn’t get overwhelmed by events, but, as we did, analyse the game. In Naples, we played well, a game where they certainly did well to turn the scoreline their way.
“We’ve recovered some players, and we know they’re a team that can hurt you in open play. The climate is changing, you need to have a lot of technique and make few technical mistakes.”
It looks like a 4-3-3, but will Milan attack and defend in the same way?
“Athekame has different characteristics than Tomori. If he needs to, he pushes forward a bit more, otherwise he’s in the build-up. Saelemaekers plays as a winger. It’s natural that Alex is a very important player for us because he gives us a lot of balance.”
What can you tell us about Leao’s moment?
“I think Rafa’s improving his condition. As a center forward, he always makes excellent moves and attacks the depth very well. It’s up to us to put the ball in front of the goalkeeper and try to get him to score.
“Right now, we have Gimenez, who’s returning from a six-month injury. He’s had a brilliant run and now he’s been a bit less brilliant, and Fullkrug, who’s played two games in a row. These are two important changes, we hope we’ve got the line-up right.”
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There’s still a lot to go and something has to change because I’m afraid that even a place in the Champions League could be at risk!
Who’s the striker here old man blocked brain brainless Allegri. He knows nothing and it’s high time to sack this garbage man
Give allegri to Italy…NO HUNGER IN THE SQUAD.. TRAILING 2-0 EVEN, THE TEAM STILL RELAXING
Salemakers igra desno krilo umjestoNkuku ili Pulišića ??? Leao igra centarfora umjesto ljevo krilo ???? Pulišič igra ljevo krilo umjesto desno ??? Dva centarfora prirodna sjede na klupi Gimenes i ovaj Njemac !!!??? Ko je ovdje LUDDDDDDDDDDD ???????