Skip to content
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Massimiliano Allegri insists that he is not concerned by Christian Pulisic’s lack of goals in 2026, has confirmed the players that are in line to replace the injured Luka Modric, but avoided commenting on the topic of a potential sale of Rafael Leao this summer.
- Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News and Content – Free Trial – Click Here
The Rossoneri tactician sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of his side’s upcoming test against Sassuolo on Saturday.
Allegri previews Sassuolo vs. Milan
Allegri began his press conference with a word of remembrance for former Formula One driver-turned Paralympian Alex Zanardi, who has died at the age of 59: “It’s right to remember Zanardi, an example in life, an example of human and sporting values. He put professionalism and passion into sport. My condolences to his family. He has amazing values.”
The topic of discussion soon reverted to the task at hand in Serie A. One of the biggest conundrums facing Allegri is how to place Luka Modric, who will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his cheekbone against Juventus last weekend.
“We’re very sorry about this bad injury, which will keep him out until the end of the season, even if he has a big desire to come back,” Allegri commented.
“He shows so much passion for the work he does and I hope this has been a lesson for the other players. We have great players to replace him, either Jashari or Ricci, who have grown a lot and in whom I have a lot of confidence.
“Jashari has grown a lot. Unfortunately he had a bad injury at the beginning of the season which kept him out for a long time. He has desire, he’s curious, he has his whole future ahead of him and I think Milan made an excellent signing.”
Allegri confirmed that he has recently sat down with Milan’s senior management, but insisted: “It’s normal. Evaluations aren’t just made about the future, but also on how the season has gone so far, even if the final evaluation will be made at the end of the season.
“We’ve created a base, but we need to get into the Champions League.”
Allegri was also asked for his opinion on the continuing refereeing scandal in Serie A: “I haven’t made up my mind, these are delicate subjects. The relevant bodies will evaluate. After everything that’s happened, the last round was a positive for the referees. They did a good job and psychologically it wasn’t easy.”
All season, Allegri has insisted that returning to the Champions League is Milan’s only focus. They are closing in on qualification, and with Inter set to win the Scudetto, potentially by the end of the weekend, is a second-place finish now the target for the Rossoneri?
“We have to do our best,” said Allegri. “We have a difficult game tomorrow because Sassuolo have good technical ability and can score goals at any time. They have good players and a good coach.
“Grosso is the revelation of this Serie A season because he’s grown a lot. Despite the difficulties of the early stages of his career, he’s made big steps forwards. Tomorrow is the first of the last four, we have to face it with calmness because we can’t let the goal slip away.”
Allegri was also asked if there is any possibility that Rafael Leao leaves the club during the summer transfer window.
He replied: “Talking about the market now makes no sense. One step at a time. We want to return to playing in the Champions League and the whole group has to be focused on that. Then, at the end of the season, we will all make evaluations to see if we can improve the work we’ve done this year.”
Allegri also commented on summer signing Christopher Nkunku: “He has great technical qualities. He’s had difficulties, but he’s scored goals. Maybe from tomorrow the strikers will start scoring again. We don’t discuss the (financial) value of the player. There are different factors that can make him do well one year and not in another.”
Santiago Gimenez has recently returned from injury but has found it difficult to break into the side since then.
“He’s a player who arrived last year, then had the immediate ankle problem. He’s an important player. Unfortunately the injury has kept him out for four or five months this year, and returning at the end of the season isn’t easy, especially for the tempo. He’s committed, he’s a valuable player despite this bad year.”
Christian Pulisic has not struggled for opportunities, but remains without a goal in 2026.
“Pulisic is an important player for Milan and it’s difficult to find players as good as him,” Allegri insisted. “You don’t have to look at whether or not the players do well or don’t do well in a certain year, there are some values that don’t change.
“He’s been missing that goal in recent games, but he’s been active. Right now, you have to put personal goals to one side and work for the team because our final target is too important. Those who play, those who come on, have to have an excellent attitude because that’s how we get the result, as well as doing well in defence and attack.”
ByPeter Young
Peter Young is a Senior Reporter with Football Italia.
