Roberto Donadoni has admitted that he has been left disappointed by AC Milan ever since their derby win over Inter two months ago.
That 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Pervis Estupinan looked to have reopened the league title race, yet what followed was a run of two wins in seven games (and just seven points amassed) that has actually complicated the top four race.
From the big plans for 2026-27 and talk of ‘phase two’ of the Allegri project, if the collapse were to continue then Milan would be looking at some potentially serious overhaul. There is even talk of a change in head coach and the exits of some star players.
‘Old issues resurfaced’
As a former Atalanta and Milan star, Donadoni will be at San Siro on Sunday for the match between the Rossoneri and La Dea, which is crucial for the European ambitions of both. He spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Did you expect such a bumpy ride for Milan in the final stages?
“There wasn’t much we could do about the Scudetto because Inter were the strongest and best equipped, but after the derby victory, I expected Milan to stay in the title race a little longer.
“Instead, old issues resurfaced, and the team was less competitive. They lost games I didn’t expect them to lose against Lazio, Udinese, and Sassuolo, and now…”
And now?
“It’s legitimate to fear that the Champions League could slip away. The last month and a half hasn’t been a positive season, and this is the moment when character must emerge.
“Milan remains ahead, but they can’t make any more mistakes or think about managing the game: they need the three points against Atalanta because Roma are doing well.”
Allegri asked the group to reset and not ruin the progress made so far…
“I agree with him. There’s little point in talking now, and we need to roll up our sleeves to finish the season in this position.”
Is the team’s decline also the coach’s fault?
“Allegri’s value is known and recognised by everyone. Players who take to the field must have this will and desire to achieve the goal. A coach can instil his motivation, but then… he stays on the bench and can’t score.”
What kind of Milan do you expect on Sunday?
“It won’t be an easy match for the Rossoneri because Atalanta is a tough team and wants to finish seventh. Both teams aren’t in great form, but it could be an interesting match.”
Even if Allegri’s strikers haven’t scored in two months?
“True. But their value is unquestionable. Maybe this will be the time when one of them will have a winning streak and break free.”
Could it be Leao, who missed a sensational goal in Reggio Emilia?
“When Milan get results, Leao isn’t talked about, while in times like this he’s almost always in the eye of the storm. He’s capable of great things, but he lacks consistency.
“If he makes the leap in quality, he could be a top player, otherwise he’ll continue to experience highs and lows like he does now.”
If Milan didn’t get into the Champions League…
“Failing to qualify for the Champions League would make for a disappointing season, as Milan would be out of Europe’s most important cup for two years in a row.
“However, the team mustn’t have these worries: fear and tension risk holding you back. It’s better to gather all your energy and focus it on giving it your all.”
Is qualifying for the Champions League also a springboard for a bigger transfer window?
“The Rossoneri can only aim high because winning is in its DNA. I know full well that Berlusconi is no longer with us and that the funds think differently than the big owners of the past. However, Milan fans are accustomed to certain objectives.”
What do Milan need to aim high?
“I think Allegri has improved the team’s performance compared to last year. With three or four good signings, Milan can close the gap on Inter and get back to winning ways.”
This is all true but this is also worth mentioning:
Atalanta (two points- Lookman wasn’t sent off), Pisa (two points- clear foul on Gabbia before one of their two goals), Sassuolo (two points- regular goal disallowed), Genoa (two points- at least one clear penalty wasn’t awarded to us), Como (two points- their player didn’t receive a yellow card despite making a harsh foul that should’ve been penalised with a direct red and an expulsion), Parma (one or three points- one or two fouls just before their goal, the exact same thing happened in their match just one week later and the referee stopped the game), Lazio (one or three points- a clear penalty wasn’t awarded), Napoli (one point- look under Lazio)- “just” 13 to even 17 points less thanks to the referees! Yeah, we obviously owe a big card saying: “THANK YOU SO MUCH, ROB US AGAIN A FEW MORE TIMES, THIS IS FUN” to all of them!!!
One thing am surprised about is that nobody is talking about this wrong position Allegri is playing Leao. Is Leao a centre forward player? Can Fikayo Saka of Arsenal be asked to play as a centre forward in a match? Why has Allegri who is hiped as a great coach failed to make an adjustment by returning him to his normal position but continues to play him as a centre striker?
When was the last time or how many times has Milan scored 4 goals this season?
He used to play that a lot in both Sporting and Lille but his best performances can only come from the wing, that’s true. It’s Bukayo Saka, Fikayo is Tomori.
I totally agree with you. Leao is not a center forward. I bet you Allegri has got it completely wrong by wanting to turn a winger to a center forward. He talks about how he did the same with CR7 and he succeeded. But he failed to realize that Leao and CR7 are two completely different players. CR7, sets his own bar very high and as ambitious as he is, yes it worked out. On the car of Leao, he’s not as ambitious, but if given the right opportunities, he can succeed like wise. So, my take is that Allegri is the reason why we haven’t seen any thing good from Leao this season.
Lastly, I personally think that Allegri’s kind of football is not suited for the kind of players he has. He has very dynamic players, but his style of football doesn’t suit their way of play. His football is boring too watch and cause a lot of suffering to the spectator/ supporters than brings pleasure, and entertainment.
“When Milan get results, Leao isn’t talked about, while in times like this he’s almost always in the eye of the storm?……..Your guess is as good as mine
“Allegri’s value is known and recognised by everyone.”
Trying so hard to sheild him from criticism.
No European football this season, yet early cup exit and now we’re battling to stay in the top 4, it’s a shame, but somehow Furlani takes the blame and Allegri the praise.