Massimiliano Allegri: Milan Must Beat Palermo To Maintain Title Advantage

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has reminded his players they have a title fight on their hands, and said they must beat Palermo to make amends for their 1-1 draw at home to Bari last weekend.

A five point lead over Inter in the league is keeping the green light on for the Scudetto title, but the coach hopes they can maintain their advantage over their rivals when they travel to Sicily.

“At the moment we are still favourites for the title as we have a points advantage over Inter,” he told the press.

“We have to remain first tomorrow, and then we will prepare for the derby. The game with Palermo is independent from the one against Bari. It will be tough in Sicily because we will meet a good level side who have a strong midfield. It’s an important game and we must be careful.”

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended following his sending off against the Galletti, Allegri confirmed Alexandre Pato and Antonio Cassano would start in attack.

“We are keeping positive ahead of the next games. Pato and Cassano are internationals and so they will play and both can do well,” he added.

Asked what he made of Inter’s Champions League progress, he added: “It’s good if Italian teams do well in Europe. But, I am thinking about my team winning the league and Coppa Italia.”