Napoli 2-0 Milan – Allegri: ‘We must stay composed to reach top four; Nkunku works hard’

Massimiliano Allegri urged calm and clarity after Milan’s 2-0 defeat to Napoli, insisting the Rossoneri must remain focused on their primary objective of securing a top-four finish despite another cup exit.

Speaking to Mediaset after the Supercoppa semi-final loss, with quotes via MilanNews, Allegri acknowledged Napoli’s superiority on the night, particularly in defensive phases. “We faced a strong Napoli and we knew that,” the Milan coach said. “We could have done better on the two goals. It was a well-played match by both teams, but they defended better and deserved to win.”

Allegri was keen to remove any controversy surrounding officiating. “The referee did very well, as did the entire officiating team,” he stressed, before turning attention inward. “Lately we’re conceding goals a bit too easily and we need to improve. This defeat should be seen as an opportunity to get back on our feet.”

Despite the scoreline, Allegri felt Milan created promising situations. “We had favourable moments and managed the ball quite well,” he explained. “We needed to attack the box better. If you make mistakes like we did for the first goal, you must defend better. When you concede two goals in three consecutive matches that could have been avoided, you have to understand how to do better.”

Asked whether Milan could switch back to a back four, Allegri urged patience. “One match can’t overturn three months of work,” he said. “We need to analyse things with serenity. Only calm can help us achieve our objective, which is finishing in the top four.”

Allegri also defended Christopher Nkunku, praising his attitude despite another goalless outing. “He worked hard tonight and had good situations,” Allegri said. “He has great qualities and they will come out. One goal could unlock him, we need to keep believing.”