Allegri laments shock defeat

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his team were unlucky during their shock 1-0 loss to Sampdoria on Sunday.

Andrea Costa headed in the only goal at the San Siro on the hour mark, condemning the hosts to a surprise defeat.

Mario Yepes and Kevin-Prince Boateng both struck the woodwork late on as their side were beaten by the newly promoted team.

Allegri rued his team’s bad luck after the loss and said he could still add to his squad before the transfer window closes on Friday, with Real Madrid playmaker Kaka rumoured to be returning.

“We have five days left in the transfer session to see what we need and can find. At the moment the important thing is that the lads don’t get too downhearted, as they did what they could,” he said.

“It’s one of those games where they score from a corner and then moments later in a similar situation we hit the post.

“At the start of the season teams can win a game with one shot on goal. Of course we have to improve and the result was negative, but we were unlucky today and the lads played with heart, especially at the end.

“If we had equalised with Mario Yepes and then scored at the very end, people would be saying we played a great game. Instead, we hit the woodwork twice.”

Despite the loss, Allegri said he could not have asked for more from his players and urged them to continue improving.

“The first half was played with a little fear against a side that defended very well. After the break we started fairly well and then went behind to the only corner they had,” he said.

“We hit the woodwork, forced goal-line clearances and saves. I cannot ask for anything more from my players at the moment.

“There’s no point acting like victims now and we must instead restart from the good things seen.

“The performance showed there are quality players in this side, but there are always going to be difficulties at the start and we need calm to grow slowly.”