ALLEGRI: "BALANCE AND STEADY NERVES, ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT"

Como v AC Milan, the Matchday 16 Serie A fixture rescheduled for Thursday 15 January at 20:45 CET, represents a major opportunity to bounce back after two consecutive draws. Ahead of the clash against Cesc Fàbregas' side, Massimiliano Allegri held a pre-match press conference. 

POINTS SO FAR
"We've earned our 40 points on the pitch. It’s a good base, but we need to focus on the next 19 games - the second half of the season - and pick up the points that will keep us in the top four."

THE TORCHBEARER EXPERIENCE
"There were lots of people, and it was a wonderful experience. Sport is amazing: it has rules and discipline, and it's important for the growth of children and young people. Sport teaches. I really enjoy skiing. When I was young, I used to go to Abetone, and now, if I can, I still go. I grew up watching Tomba - schools would even close when he competed. Good luck to all the Italians taking part in the Olympic Games."

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
"We need to be more aggressive during matches. There are moments when we're a bit fragile, both defensively and in attack. We also need to be more precise technically. The players have great qualities and they need to believe that we're a strong team."

ABSENCES
"Füllkrug is out with a toe injury; we’ll hopefully have him back for the Roma game. Pavlović has nine stitches in his head; we should also have him back for Roma. Gimenez is progressing well but is still a long way from returning - we’ll talk about him again at the end of March."

COMO
"Como are doing well; they have good players, are a lively team, press hard and play good football. Fàbregas has done a great job and deserves nothing but praise. As for us, we need to go to Como and take the three points. Playing against them is really tough: they’re the best team in Italy in terms of possession and also have the best defence, plus they don’t have the pressure of having to win."

TAKING THE LEAD AND FALLING BEHIND
"In Florence, we had three chances to open the scoring; our approach was right. Against Roma at home, after 30 terrifying minutes, we took the lead before having plenty of opportunities in the second half. We need to analyse our performances and manage the unexpected - every game is different from the one before. We've fallen behind eight times - and that definitely needs improving - but we've also managed to come from behind eight times: they're two sides of the same coin."

INTER AND NAPOLI
"Inter v Napoli was a really good match; it was intense because the ball moved so quickly. Both teams played well technically. In the last six years, apart from one season, Inter have never finished outside the top two. Napoli, over the last 14 years, have only missed out on the Champions League twice. Our goal is to work so we can be involved in the Champions League next season. To do that, we have to put in the hard graft and go through both the good and bad moments. A season is full of highs and lows, so we need balance and steady nerves. We have to aim for the best outcome to prove we're better. Nothing is impossible."

CHANGES IN FORMATION
"It could be a solution - I'm thinking about it and we're working on it - but it depends on the moment and the qualities of the players available. On Sunday in Florence, I had the chance to make some important changes. When you pick a starting line-up, you also have to take into account the players you might bring off the bench."

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