AC Milan ‘never give up’ says Allegri assistant after 3-2 victory
Max Allegri’s assistant manager Marco Landucci jokes about his perfect record on the AC Milan bench after their 3-2 comeback win at Torino with ill Christian Pulisic’s brace. ‘This group never gives up.’
The coach had to watch from the stands due to another touchline ban for dissent, after his furious row with the Lazio staff and referee last week.
Curiously, Landucci has now won all four of his games standing in for Allegri this season, so should they keep this arrangement going?
“I put my record at risk tonight,” joked Landucci to Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s good that the coach is here, as I’m a bit fed up…”
AC Milan comeback inspired by Pulisic
Sitting in the press section rather than the sky box, Allegri witnessed Torino surge into a 2-0 lead within 17 minutes thanks to a Nikola Vlasic penalty for Fikayo Tomori’s handling offence and Duvan Zapata strike.
However, Adrien Rabiot got them back on track with a screamer from 30 metres out and Pulisic came off the bench to transform the game.
The USMNT star wasn’t even in the squad until this afternoon, as he had a high fever last night and travelled up later to be with his teammates, but the substitute still scored twice for the 3-2 victory.
“Torino were waiting for us in the first half and we were dumb to fall for it, as instead of moving the ball out wide, we got stuck in the middle. Then there was a penalty and a counter-attack, but we’ve got to praise this team because they never give in,” continued Landucci.
“We also have to thank the coaching staff and the doctors, because they got Pulisic back on his feet. He was so ill the other day, but he gave us a big hand. The spirit of the whole team again proved it does not give up.”
What happened at half-time to provide such a different Milan approach after the restart?
“We certainly changed a few things, but Rabiot’s goal gave us belief. We had Christopher Nkunku as a centre-forward, with Rabiot and Ruben Loftus-Cheek behind him, were much more balanced, attacking, moved the ball around better, and turned the game around for a very important victory.”
Quite apart from the talent of Pulisic, his attitude is always the right one and can inspire some of his Milan teammates who aren’t always so focused.
“Pulisic is a great player, you can see he is very calm in the locker room, but on the pitch he has this determination, he wants to score goals and he’s deadly in those positions. He had two shots and scored two goals, you can’t ask for more than that.”
Allegri said over the last few days that Loftus-Cheek has more potential than he realises and needs to trust his own capabilities.
“I agree, it was a great performance today, he has everything it takes to be a great player. He was held back by injuries, but he has technique, power, strength, everything required and I think he proved it tonight, especially in the second half,” added Landucci.
“Samuele Ricci came off the bench against his former club, so it wasn’t easy for him, but he’s one of these players who understands what you tell him straight away. He hadn’t played as much early on this season, but always worked hard with a smile on his face, he steps up when called upon.
“This is a group that honestly never complains, it enjoys spending time together, and it’s thanks to them if we are in this position. We’ve got to keep it going one game at a time.”
There was some bad news, though, as Rafael Leao pulled up after taking a shot in the first half and limped off clutching the adductor at the top of his right leg.
“Leao will have tests tomorrow, he felt pain in the adductor and we hope it’s nothing serious, but we can’t know until the morning.”