Milan move on from Juve reverse

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is keen for his side to put their 2-0 defeat to Juventus behind them when they meet Palermo on Saturday.

Serie A champions Milan went down to a late Claudio Marchisio brace in the match at Juventus Stadium, and have had to dwell on the negative result for nearly two weeks thanks to the international break.

Allegri concedes his team were outplayed by Juve, but believes they were also somewhat unfortunate to finish empty handed, with Marchisio’s goals coming in the 87th and 90th minutes.

“We got the game wrong at Juve,” Allegri said.

“The Bianconeri played well, whereas we didn’t.”

“But don’t forget that it was still 0-0 with three minutes of the game to go.”

On Saturday, Milan host a Palermo side who have made a strong start to the season, winning three out of five matches to sit fourth in the table.

Allegri expects a contest at the San Siro, with the pressure on his players to add to their meagre tally of a solitary victory so far in the league campaign.

“They are an organized and aggressive side, a team who is playing reasonably well and has enthusiasm,” he said.

“This is a very important game for us, one that we have to face in the best possible manner. And we also have to win because we’ve only done so once this season. We have to get three points.”

Allegri also sought to play down comments made by Milan strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Antonio Cassano, who both suggested last week they are considering early retirement.

“These things are blown out of proportion,” Allegri said.

“Cassano has to continue the excellent things that he is doing for Milan and Italy.”

“Ibra is in good physical shape, he’s positive and that is what counts for me. He’s a player that can still make the difference for three or four years.”