Allegri reveals ‘first thing’ Milan must do against Parma

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri insists the Rossoneri must immediately put themselves at the ‘same level as Parma’ and warns his players about ‘tricky’ Mateo Pellegrino.

Milan visit Parma at the Stadio Tardini this evening.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Talking to Sky Sport Italia (via Milannews) before kick-off, Allegri said: “What you usually think beforehand, never happens. It’s going to be a tough match. Pellegrino is a tricky player; we need to play well technically.”

Rafael Leao thanked Allegri during a pre-match interview, saying that the coach is giving him precious advice about his life and career.

“He’s back and doing well,” said Allegri.

“I give him advice because I have more experience, not because I’m better. He can always perform well, just like the rest of the team. Today, it’s important to take home three points.”

Milan will jump to the top of the table if they beat Parma today, but Inter, Roma and Napoli will play tomorrow.

Parma-Milan is the fourth Serie A match played today, but the previous three, Como-Cagliari, Lecce-Verona and Juventus-Torino all ended with goalless draws.

“We need to be practical,” said Allegri.

“There have been several 0-0 games today, and winning matches is never easy. The first thing to do is to put ourselves on the same level as Parma.”

The Rossoneri are level on 21 points with Inter and Roma, just one point below leaders Napoli.