Allegri calls for fearless Milan

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his side will continue to improve as they look to build on their win over Cagliari on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old coach has come under pressure from supporters after the Rossoneri lost three of their opening four matches in the Serie A, but their 2-0 victory in midweek saw signs of improvement.

And Allegri hopes they can build on that performance against Parma over the weekend.

“What we need is a bit of serenity, sometimes when we go ahead we almost fear the opposition, and that leads to their enhanced possession,” Allegri said.

“The good thing is that we are doing very well in defence. Currently on the San Siro pitch the ball slips and I do not know how to solve it, but maybe in a month things will get better.”

The win over Cagliari was secured by two goals from teenager Stephan El Shaarawy, but the former Cagliari coach has admitted that the striker is far from the finished article.

“El Shaarawy is much better now and moves better when he is without the ball,” Allegri said.

“He’s still very young and needs to understand that he has not yet done anything because in football, to reach the top, you have to do well for many years.”

“It’s an important moment for him. He is very young and I know it is not easy, but he must work to get better.”

Many have already written off last year’s runners-up in their quest for the league title, and Allegri has admitted that reigning champions Juventus are the favourites to win their second consecutive Scudetto.

“Juve are the favourites for the league, but there are others up there,” he said.

“Napoli do not have the Champions League and may be annoyed by that, while Roma, Lazio and Inter are equipped.”