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Allegri praises AC Milan's spirit after comeback win over Udinese
The Rossoneri boss hailed his side's cohesion, which he feels played an important role in eventually digging out the victory, and called for focus against Juventus next week
11 Feb 2012 21:22:00
By Livio Caferoglu
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has opined that team spirit made all the difference, after the champions managed to come from behind to beat Udinese 2-1 in Serie A on Saturday.
An Antonio Di Natale strike put the Rossoneri a goal down inside just 19 minutes, but a pair of second half strikes from Maxi Lopez and Stephan El Shaarawy ensured they ended a winless run of three matches - a feat the 42-year-old has put down to their teamwork.
"I think we played a good game. We started well but were punished during the first half. In the second half we improved, and showed more courage and took more risks," said Allegri.
"We were concerned by our recent results, but we had to beat Udinese. Our spirit has made the difference. We were cohesive, especially in second half."
Allegri then gave a positive response to how he felt the team functioned without the presence of the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their ranks, before underlining the importance of his side's forthcoming league clash with Juventus.
"When there's no Ibrahimovic, the players display different characteristics, as shown today. Maxi Lopez gave us depth and did a great job.
"I do not know if it is decisive, but it certainly is important. Now we must concentrate on the match against Juventus," concluded Allegri.
Milan are now two points ahead of Juventus at the top of the table, but the Bianconeri have two games in hand.
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An Antonio Di Natale strike put the Rossoneri a goal down inside just 19 minutes, but a pair of second half strikes from Maxi Lopez and Stephan El Shaarawy ensured they ended a winless run of three matches - a feat the 42-year-old has put down to their teamwork.
"I think we played a good game. We started well but were punished during the first half. In the second half we improved, and showed more courage and took more risks," said Allegri.
"We were concerned by our recent results, but we had to beat Udinese. Our spirit has made the difference. We were cohesive, especially in second half."
Allegri then gave a positive response to how he felt the team functioned without the presence of the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their ranks, before underlining the importance of his side's forthcoming league clash with Juventus.
"When there's no Ibrahimovic, the players display different characteristics, as shown today. Maxi Lopez gave us depth and did a great job.
"I do not know if it is decisive, but it certainly is important. Now we must concentrate on the match against Juventus," concluded Allegri.
Milan are now two points ahead of Juventus at the top of the table, but the Bianconeri have two games in hand.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
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