Key Takeaways
- Allegri confirms either Jashari or Ricci will replace the injured Luka Modric for the rest of the season.
- The manager refuses to discuss any potential summer transfer involving Rafael Leao.
- Christian Pulisic retains full backing despite failing to score during 2026.
Massimiliano Allegri has thrown his full support behind Christian Pulisic. The AC Milan manager says the winger remains vital to the team even though he has not found the net during 2026.
Allegri spoke to reporters on Saturday. He held his usual press conference before the Rossoneri’s Serie A trip to face Sassuolo.
The Italian coach began with sad news. He paid tribute to Alex Zanardi, the former Formula One driver and Paralympic champion who has passed away at 59. “We must remember Zanardi,” Allegri said. “He showed us true sporting values. He worked with great passion. My thoughts are with his family.”
The discussion then turned to football. Allegri faces a selection problem. Luka Modric broke his cheekbone against Juventus last weekend. The midfielder will miss the rest of the season.
“We are very sad about this injury,” Allegri stated. “Modric wants to return quickly, but he cannot play until next season. He loves the game so much. Young players can learn from his attitude. We have good players ready to take his place. I trust both Jashari and Ricci. They have improved a lot this year.”
The manager praised Jashari especially. “He had a bad injury at the start of the campaign. Now he is back. He is young and hungry. I believe Milan signed a very good player.”
Allegri confirmed he met with club directors recently. “This is normal,” he explained. “We look at how the season is going. We will make final decisions when the campaign ends. We have built a good foundation. Now we must qualify for the Champions League.”
The refereeing scandal in Serie A has dominated headlines. Allegri was careful with his words. “These are sensitive matters. The authorities will handle it. However, the referees performed well last weekend. It was not easy for them after recent events.”
AC Milan want to return to Europe’s top competition. Inter Milan might win the league title this weekend. Could second place become the Rossoneri’s target?
“We must focus on our own game,” Allegri replied. “Sassuolo will be tough. They have skillful players and a clever coach. Fabio Grosso has done excellent work this season. He has grown as a manager despite early problems. We have four games left. We must stay calm and reach our goal.”
Journalists asked about Rafael Leao. Could the forward leave this summer? Allegri would not answer directly. “Now is not the time to talk about transfers,” he said. “We take one step at a time. The whole squad must focus on the Champions League. We will discuss the future after the season finishes.”
The coach also spoke about Christopher Nkunku. The summer arrival has faced challenges but scored important goals. “He has excellent technique,” Allegri noted. “Perhaps the strikers will score more from tomorrow. We do not judge players by their price tag. Many things affect performance.”
Santiago Gimenez is fit again after injury. However, he has not started many matches. “He joined last year then hurt his ankle,” Allegri explained. “This season he missed four or five months. It is hard to find rhythm at the end of the season. He works hard. He is still a valuable member of the squad.”
Finally, Allegri returned to Pulisic. The American has not scored this year. “Pulisic is crucial for Milan,” the manager stressed. “It is hard to find better players. You cannot judge him only on goals. Some qualities never disappear. He has been active in matches. Personal records do not matter now. We must work together to reach the Champions League. Every player needs the right attitude. We must defend well and attack well as a team.”