ALLEGRI: "REFOCUS ON OUR OBJECTIVE"

The Rossoneri return to action on Serie A matchday 30, hosting Torino at San Siro. Ahead of the clash, Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media at Milanello in his press conference, which was broadcast live on Milan TV and the AC Milan Official App.

PRE-MATCH
"We're at a point in the season where the points really matter. We need to stay calm and focused, concentrating on what we have to do. Torino have good players and are in positive form. It's our final game before the international break, and it won't be easy. We need to refocus. Gimenez will be in the squad; he's doing well. Up to now, the team has worked as a unit, getting through the problems caused by injuries to our forwards. I watched our Lazio match again yesterday. We made a few technical errors in the final third, beyond the avoidable goal we conceded. We'll need everyone tomorrow. We then hope to get Gabbia and Loftus-Cheek back, as well as having Gimenez closer to full fitness. Individual targets have to be put at the service of the group."

LUKA MODRIĆ AND AC MILAN
"From day one, he has brought his technical, human, and professional qualities to everyone around him. Seeing him play with incredible passion and love for what he does brings energy and positivity to the squad. His future? That's up to him - the Club will speak with him. He has a World Cup to play in, so let's just let him enjoy it."

ATTACK
"Leão and Pulisic have had a season affected by injuries and other physical issues. There are two months left - the decisive ones - where it will be important to perform well. I think Chris put in a good performance in Rome from a physical perspective, although he lacked technical precision, which he will regain. Rafa has scored nine goals and could reach double figures; he can play as a centre-forward and makes the runs behind the defence that we also saw against Cremonese, Inter, and at the Olimpico. Let's not forget players like Nkunku, Füllkrug, and Gimenez: we have five very important attackers, so everyone needs to stay sharp and work together."

THE LAST TWO MONTHS
"The defeat against Lazio leaves us eight points behind Inter, who have the title in their own hands. As for us, we control our own destiny for Champions League qualification, which is why we need to stay focused to reach our objective, game by game. You have to look forward, not back; balance is key. Until you've achieved your goal, you have to stay focused: 60 points aren't enough, so we need to push a little further. Against Lazio, we paid dearly for our imprecision. Against Torino, we'll need a compact and organised performance to win. There can't be any hangover from our last game. We've also had favourable situations, and during the week we've worked on correcting our mistakes. We need to return, calmly, to being organised - that's our strength."

REFEREES AND VAR
"I think the referees are good, and they should be allowed to referee. In every situation, balance has to prevail. The line between the referee's decision and a VAR intervention is fine - it can tip the scales. Once they find and refine their understanding with each other, the referee will also be calmer. In recent matches, referees have been doing better. For example, Guida in Rome let things go, avoiding whistling for minor fouls. There are several young referees who need experience, while the older ones have more experience and greater control of the situation."

ITALIAN FOOTBALL AND AC MILAN'S FUTURE
"We shouldn't be thinking about ten years ago. Today, there's a completely different generation, and in Italy we don't have the financial power to compete with the other European clubs - just look at the revenues. In the end, it's the economically strongest teams that reach the Champions League semi-finals. When the margin for error is so small, you need both skill and a bit of luck to build a team. AC Milan is working to be both competitive and sustainable. Now, the Club is run like a business, where both the sporting and commercial sides are important. If you don't create a solid foundation, you'll always be adrift. It's not right to denigrate Italian football, or to copy other countries with a very different culture."

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