Allegri: Milan will be better

Massimiliano Allegri is confident Milan will continue to get better after beating Valencia in the International Champions Cup on Saturday.

The Serie A side prevailed 2-1 at the Estadio Mestalla after goals from Robinho and Nigel de Jong.

Dani Parejo equalised for Valencia, and although Miroslav Djukic’s side hammered on the door late on, Milan held out to move to the next round where they will face Chelsea or local rivals Inter.

Allegri was concerned by his side’s fading fitness late in the encounter, but believes his players will only get better ahead of their UEFA Champions League play-off, the first leg of which will be played on August 20.

“It was a very intense match,” Allegri told SportMediaset.

“I wanted to see if the team was in the right physical and psychological condition. We need to improve, as at the end we were struggling to stay on our feet, but for the moment I am satisfied.

“It was important to have a strong performance, especially in defence. Some players need a little more time on the field, but we always play to win, as victories help you to work better.

“We’re on the right track, though we have to do better in the final third. I am glad Nigel De Jong got his goal, as he deserved it.”

Milan’s next fixture is against Manchester City in the Audi Cup on Wednesday and Allegri is hopeful of including Mario Balotelli for the first time in pre-season against his former club.