|
|
Allegri: Balotelli could start against Udinese
Feb 2, 2013 4:20:00 PM
The AC Milan coach has confirmed the Italian forward is "ready to play" for the Rossoneri and could be given his full debut against Udinese on Sunday evening
Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that new AC Milan signing Mario Balotelli may be in line for an official debut on Sunday, as he is in "good shape physically", despite only joining the squad this week.The 22-year-old was quick to mark his return to Italy with a goal, as he scored in a friendly on Thursday.
And Allegri has no fears about putting the former Manchester City forward straight into the starting line-up where he could feature alongside Giampaolo Pazzini.
"He joined on Thursday, and is in good shape physically," he told reporters.
"I will decide today [Saturday] whether he’ll start or be on the bench. It is not just a tactical choice, but also dictated by the situation.
"In my view he can be paired with Pazzini, who has done well so far this season."
Allegri also recognised the signing has benefited Milan in more ways than one, pointing to the lift the transfer has given the Rossoneri.
He added: "Balotelli’s arrival is important for the club in media terms. He has brought a strong wave of enthusiasm, although we must remain detached from that."
Milan now have a wealth of attacking options despite the loss of Alexandre Pato to Corinthians, with Stephan El Shaarawy, Bojan and M'Baye Niang already demonstrating their potential this season.
And the added firepower up front is something which suits the coach.
"I think it’s good to maintain a healthy competition for places between the players," Allegri continued.
"Things are going better, we must concentrate on tomorrow’s game which will allow us to stay in the race for a Champions League spot."
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
-
Cartoon: Bayern & Dortmund given licence to thrill
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
-
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
-
-
Why Real Madrid are appointing Ancelotti
After the decision to dispense with Jose Mourinho was announced on Monday, the Spanish side have set their sights on the PSG coach, and he looks like the ideal man for the job
