Allegri tips Nocerino to continue scoring run

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes off-season signing Antonio Nocerino can score 15 goals for the club this campaign.

Nocerino was on target in Milan’s 2-0 Serie A victory over Siena on Saturday, his sixth goal of the season helping Allegri’s side move to the top of the table.

“I hope Nocerino can get 15 goals this season,” Allegri told Sky Italia. “He already has scored six and is proving to be a (real) Milan footballer.”

Allegri had similar words of encouragement for Taye Taiwo, who has endured a difficult start to his career with the Italian champions since his arrival from Marseille, but put in a promising shift against Giuseppe Sannino’s side.

“I believe that Taiwo will also improve by playing,” Allegri said. “He needs to accustom to a completely different league still, but this evening he had a good game.”

Allegri gave his opinion of the win against Siena, which now sees Milan go one point clear at the league summit, although Juventus and Udinese could both overtake them with wins on Sunday.

“Tonight was not an easy game, it was important to win. When you play badly and win is a good sign,” he said.

“You must have the strength to keep playing until you find the right opportunity to score in these type of games.”