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COACH BOND CONFIRMED: ALLEGRI IS LIKE A FATHER TO RAFAEL LEAO BEFORE THE DERBY

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri discusses his "fatherly" relationship with Rafael Leao and the importance of the Derby della Madonnina against Inter. A win could see Milan top the Serie A table.

Coach Bond Confirmed: Allegri Is Like A Father To Rafael Leao Before The Derby
Can Leao Hit 20 Goals? Allegri Sets The Challenge Before Big Rival Match

The main coach of AC Milan, Massimiliano Allegri, has discussed his connection with Rafael Leao, along with what he anticipates from the important match.

The first Milan match of the season is coming up, with the game starting at 20:45 CET, and it’s a great chance for Allegri and his team to prove what they can do. The 2-2 tie with Parma before the break was not a good outcome to go into the international games with, so a good response is needed. Allegri emphasised the importance of teamwork and strategy in the upcoming fixture, stating that every player must be at their best to secure a victory. He also noted that the support from the fans will be crucial in creating a strong atmosphere to motivate the team on the pitch.

Inter goes into the match with two more points in the standings, meaning they can increase their lead to five points with a victory. Or, the Rossoneri could pass their rivals and make the top of the league even closer, while also keeping up a recent positive trend in the match.

Allegri had a talk with DAZN that was shown the night before the match, and he gave more thoughts on the game after his press meeting. His words are from MilanNews.

Thinking about it, will the match leave you feeling good or bad?

“The outcome usually makes you feel good for the next few days. If the result is not good, it makes you feel a little sad, a little hurt, but we still have many other games to play. So we have to look at what happens tomorrow to try to get better.”

Leao said you were like a father to him; is that true?

“I was happy with what Rafa said, but I think my team and I need to be there to help the players and try to make them better physically, technically, and mentally. This is very important. I think Rafa has improved because he knows that a striker is judged by the goals he scores.”


Can Leao score 20 goals?


“Right now, he has four. Let’s hope he keeps going, then we’ll see (laughs).”

Rabiot will also be back – How much of an impact could he have? His return could be significant, as he brings not only skill but also experience to the midfield. Having him back in the squad will undoubtedly bolster our chances of success in the coming matches.

“He’s an important player. Milan has many of them, mixed with players who don’t have as much experience. But we’re trying to get some good results so we can reach our main goal, which is to get back into the Champions League.”

Rabiot said he hoped to win it with a goal in the 90th minute. Could that happen?

“The 90th minute is always better because it would be easier for you. You would struggle for 90 minutes, then you wouldn’t struggle as much at the end. No, we need to play well because Inter is very strong.”

“It’s not stressful. When you work at a big team like Milan, it’s normal to have a goal, which is to get back into the Champions League, because they need to play in the Champions League, which is their home, where they’ve won seven times.

You should also not hold back but instead aim high, and most importantly, try to get the greatest outcomes. If the greatest outcome is ending up in the first four spots, it shows that we did a good job getting there. If it means ending up higher, it means we have earned it. Also, the standings are honest: in the long run, the best team comes out on top.

How are you trying to help Gimenez and Nkunku feel more sure of themselves again?

Gimenez is still unable to play because of a problem with his ankle. Nkunku played very well against Roma; he had a harder time against Parma, but he is a very skilled player and will get better with time.

What is your favourite memory from the derby?

For sure, it’s the first one since that’s the one that we were able to win. After that, sadly, I was not able to win the last four games (laughs).

FAITH CONFIRMED: MARCUS THURAM SAYS INTER TRUST THEIR CURRENT DIRECTION

After a 1-0 derby loss to AC Milan, Inter's Marcus Thuram backs coach Simone Inzaghi and the team's tactics. Despite struggles in big games, Thuram insists, "We trust the coach and the current plan," vowing to improve without drastic changes.

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Thuram Trusts They're on the Right Track

After the loss in the derby to AC Milan, Marcus Thuram says Inter believes in the coach and the tactical approach. One loss won't change their minds.

The Nerazzurri attacked a lot, hitting the goal frame twice in the first half with Francesco Acerbi and Lautaro Martinez. But Christian Pulisic scored the only goal, giving AC Milan a 1-0 win.

Hakan Calhanoglu was presented with a chance to tie the game from the penalty spot after Thuram was fouled by Strahinja Pavlovic, but Mike Maignan blocked it.

Thuram is confident in Inter's plan

When asked if he was unlucky in the first half when Mike Maignan made an amazing save, Thuram didn't agree.

“I should’ve aimed it the other way,” Thuram told DAZN Italia. “The ball approached from one side, and I should have directed it back across him.”

Inter hasn't done well in big games this season, losing to Juventus, Napoli, and AC Milan. Their only win was against Roma.

Milan, in comparison, beat Bologna, Napoli, Roma, and Inter. They also drew with Juve, even when their performance wasn't better than the other team overall.

“I can’t explain it, but we will find the answers with the coach. He’s a great coach and gives good advice on how to get better. It was a big game, but it’s only November, and there are many more matches to play.”

Observers have noted that the Nerazzurri are susceptible to counterattacks in situations where they can't turn their dominance into goals.

“We want to keep the ball a lot, so when we lose it, we become open on the counterattack. Milan and Real Madrid are the most dangerous teams in Europe on the counter.

“We lost, but I think we are going in the right direction. We trust the coach and the current plan, so one loss won’t make us change our minds. We can always improve, but we can’t throw everything away,” Thuram said.

DERBY DOMINATION: PULISIC GOAL GIVES MILAN SECOND SPOT.

Christian Pulisic's 54th-minute goal sealed a crucial 1-0 Derby della Madonnina win for AC Milan over rivals Inter. The victory tightens the Serie A title race, moving Milan to 25 points, just behind Napoli in a tight table.

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Pulisic Fires Milan Past Inter

AC Milan clinched a win in the Derby della Madonnina, edging out Inter by one goal. Mike Maignan and Christian Pulisic were key players in the victory. Check out the player ratings below.

Christian Pulisic registered a goal in the 54th minute of the Derby della Madonnina. After Inter keeper Yann Sommer couldn't hold onto Alexis Saelemaekers’ shot from way out, Pulisic put the rebound in from point-blank range. It was a swift riposte, with Milan keeping the play alive until Pulisic was able to knock in the first goal.

Milan Goes Ahead

Pulisic's goal gave AC Milan a 1–0 win over Inter Milan. It was a great counterattack set up by Massimiliano Allegri's team. Youssouf Fofana made a key play in midfield, then passed to Alexis Saelemaekers on the right. Saelemaekers shot a rocket, and Sommer made a save, but Pulisic was there to finish it.

That's Pulisic’s seventh successful strike this season and his fifth in Serie A. He's been on a roll since coming back from injury.

Allegri's Tactic Proves Effective

Allegri went with a 3-5-2, putting Pulisic and Leão up front. Even though Internazionale controlled the start of the second half, it worked out. Before Pulisic scored, Milan faced significant pressure. Inter had been unlucky, with Francesco Acerbi and Lautaro Martínez both hitting the post in the first half. Mike Maignan also made a great save to deny Martínez.

The Rossoneri and the Nerazzurri are Ready for Season-Long Fight

This game could have significant implications for the Serie A title chase. AC Milan now has 25 points, just two behind Napoli. Inter is fourth with 24 points. It’s only their third league loss of the season.

The league table is tight, so this derby win could be huge in what's looking like a really tight title fight.

Premier League Standings

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