02 May 2023
With the final midweek fixtures in Serie A opening the month of May, Massimiliano Allegri was in front of the press to answer their questions in the pre-match conference before tomorrow's home fixture against Lecce.
The coach not only looked forward to the match against the side from Salento, which kicks off at 18:00 CEST, he also commented on the remainder of the league campaign.
A NEW MONTH
"We have closed a difficult April, but moments like this come in phases. Last week we were still in contention for three competitions, so it means the season is going well. We have finally reached the 60-point mark and we want to get back to winning ways again in the league.
"The team's attitude against Bologna was positive. Although we created a lot, we also made a lot of mistakes in front of goal. We need to improve on this. Tomorrow will be a different match against a Lecce side determined to stay in Serie A.
TEAM TALK
"[Adrien] Rabiot played well in Bologna. He could be rested tomorrow, while [Angel] Di Maria has overcome the pain in his ankle, so tomorrow he may be involved. He's the kind of player that can make the difference. Bremer is fit too. He just needed to rest seeing that this is the first year he's played every three days. He will be back on the field tomorrow. I think Alex Sandro, who has been playing a lot recently, will sit it out.
"[Nicolò] Fagioli has clocked up a lot of playing time and put in many good performances. He had a moment when his form dipped, but now he's getting back to his previous level and had a good match against Bologna. Of course, there's room for improvement, exactly as there is for every player.
"[Manuel] Locatelli had an excellent game against Bologna. When Manuel is on the pitch, he always makes himself available for the team and even in the most difficult moments he lends a hand in defence. I am delighted with what he is doing."
THE FINAL HURDLES
"We're in good condition physically. It's our mental strength that will make the difference from now on. We have a few points of an advantage in the fight for fourth place. There are still two head-to-head matches to play, a kind of mini-tournament, and we must set out to catch Lazio.
"We still have two important goals to aim for: finishing in the top four and making it to the Europa League final. Only after will we evaluate the season."
