29 January 2015
Massimiliano Allegri claims the Bianconeri’s mature performance in testing conditions and never-say-die attitude were the key ingredients behind this evening’s late 1-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final win over Parma.
The hosts came out determined to put their recent difficulties to one side with a positive display and Allegri was quick to praise their approach after seeing his league leaders given a run for their money.
But the Bianconeri refused to lose their cool and dug deep to leave the Tardini with a semi-final spot, demonstrating the required poise that is clearly music to their manager’s ears.
Speaking to reporters in Parma, Allegri began: “Knockout games are never easy to win but we kept believing all the way. We showed maturity to barely give Parma an inch this evening, a team who put in a fine performance.
“The difficulties we faced were part down to the pitch and part down to Parma’s great display. We put in plenty of crosses, but didn’t make the most of many of them.”
When asked for a word on the performances of individuals, the Tuscan tactician’s first comments were reserved for goalscorer Alvaro Morata and the part played by Fernando Llorente in providing the assist.
“Morata did well after latching on to Llorente’s nice assist. I put him on because Fernando needed someone to play a little closer to him.
“But everyone did well this evening: Pepe on the right, Ogbonna, Padoin, Coman showed interesting flashes… the entire team’s in good shape. Those involved tonight responded well.”
