Allegri satisfied with Milan effort

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri is pleased with his team’s progress ahead of the start of the Serie A season.

Milan defeated rivals Juventus 2-1 on Sunday to win the annual Trofeo Berlusconi clash, which is played in honour of Luigi Berlusconi – the father of Italian prime minister and club owner Silvio.

Goals to Kevin-Prince Boateng and Clarence Seedorf put Milan in control, with Mirko Vucinic pulling one back for Juventus.

And with the season a week away, Allegri was satisfied with his team’s performance.

“We played a good first half,” Allegri said.

“Then we slowed down a bit in the second half, partly because I had some injured players and I had to change the midfield completely. But the team remained close and the performances were good.”

Antonio Cassano was impressive in the match at the San Siro, but Allegri refused to confirm he would start the club’s season opener at Cagliari on Saturday despite praising his performance.

“I don’t know,” he said.

“Today is Sunday, we have six more days, but he played very well and I’m satisfied of his performances. He is definitely an excellent player.”

Juventus boss Victor Conte was disappointed with his side’s start to the match but pleased they were able to respond in the second half.

“The first half was a bad example, it represented exactly what we should not do, the wrong attitude and approach,” Conte said.

“I would consider the first half as a negative example in general and we will analyse that with the guys.”

“Then we have the positive example of the second half and that means the team have character if they want to. They showed they have character and determination, they did what I asked them to do in the first half.”