Brescia clash vital, says Allegri

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his team’s trip to Brescia on Saturday could prove decisive in the Serie A title race.

Leaders Milan are six points clear with just five matches remaining.

While victory at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti would not yet guarantee Milan their first league championship since 2004, it would bring them to within touching distance of the Scudetto.

“Tomorrow is the game of the season because it’s the most important and can decide the season,” Allegri said.

“Winning would mean taking a beautiful jump forward.”

“We haven’t had a lot of time to prepare for this game, but the team already knows what it has to do.”

Brescia are second from bottom and, four points away from safety, appear hard pressed to preserve their top-flight status.

They have picked up just one point in their last two matches, but Allegri has still cautioned his players against complacency.

“We must be careful and not undervalue this game because despite their last two negative results Brescia are in good shape physically,” he said.

“We must play well because I expect our opponents to put their physical and mental qualities on the pitch.”

“They have important players up front like Eder, (Andrea) Caracciolo and (Alessandro) Diamanti, and have pace and technique in the middle with the experience of (Cristiano) Zanetti.”

“It will be very difficult. We must interpret it in the best of ways, playing to our qualities.”

“We have to go into it with the presumption of closing the game quickly.”