Allegri hails Niang promise

Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has praised young striker M’Baye Niang following his goal in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over LA Galaxy.

Niang netted after 41 minutes to double Milan’s advantage after Mario Balotelli had given Milan the lead.

Allegri was quick to credit the 18-year-old for his part in a comfortable win, but stressed it may be some time before he reaches his full potential.

“Niang scored a beautiful goal, he has great potential,” Allegri said.

“But he is a boy and you need to give boys time.”

Milan play their first competitive fixture in the UEFA Champions League play-off round later this month, and Allegri is confident they will be sufficiently prepared for that fixture.

“I am satisfied, we played a good match,” he added.

“We’re on the right track for the Champions League play-offs, of course the injured players won’t be to the same level of form, but it is important for them to recover.

“On the pitch against Galaxy there was an attack in their twenties, and even though Mario has great international experience, he is still only 22 years old. We will improve.”