Massimiliano Allegri, returning to the helm of AC Milan, has emphasized the crucial role of mental fortitude for his squad in the upcoming season. Following a resounding 9-0 pre-season victory over Perth Glory, capped off by a goal from Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze, Allegri stressed the importance of maintaining equilibrium throughout the demanding Serie A campaign. He acknowledged the positive energy and strong performances during the pre-season tour, which included wins against Liverpool and Perth Glory, and a narrow loss to Arsenal. However, he cautioned against overconfidence, emphasizing the need for consistent mental strength to navigate the inevitable challenges that lie ahead. The manager believes that a balanced mindset, rather than tactical prowess, will be the key to a successful season, allowing the team to navigate both triumphs and setbacks with resilience and maintain a steady pace across all 38 matches.
The dominant win against Perth Glory provided a platform for several players to shine, notably Chukwueze, who netted his first goal in almost five months. The Nigerian winger’s inclusion in the starting lineup and subsequent goal signifies Allegri’s faith in his abilities, despite his inconsistent performances since arriving from Villarreal in 2023. Chukwueze’s goal contributed to a comprehensive victory, with other goals coming from Filippo Terracciano, Christian Comotto, Samuele Ricci, Yunus Musah, and braces from both Noah Okafor and Rafael Leao. The emphatic scoreline underlined the attacking potency of the Milan side, offering a glimpse of their potential for the upcoming season.
Allegri praised his team’s dedication and enthusiasm during the pre-season tour, which included matches in Asia and Australia. He acknowledged the value of the rigorous training and friendly matches, stating they provided a solid foundation for the upcoming season. While acknowledging the positive results, Allegri stressed the importance of maintaining focus and discipline as the competitive season approaches. He reminded the players that the real test begins upon their return to Italy, and that the pre-season successes should serve as motivation rather than a cause for complacency.
Despite the encouraging performances during the pre-season tour, Allegri remains grounded, aware that the true measure of the team’s capabilities will be their performance in competitive matches. The upcoming Coppa Italia tie against Bari on August 17 marks Allegri’s first competitive match back at the helm of AC Milan. He emphasized the significance of this match, acknowledging the pressure and expectation surrounding his return. He views the Coppa Italia clash as a crucial stepping stone towards building momentum and establishing a winning mentality for the season ahead. Additional friendly matches against Leeds United and Chelsea will further refine the team’s preparations and allow Allegri to assess his squad’s readiness for the challenges of Serie A.
Chukwueze’s goal against Perth Glory carries particular significance given his struggles to establish himself as a consistent performer since joining Milan. Last season, despite making 26 appearances, he only started nine matches, scoring three goals and contributing two assists. The winger’s future at the club has been subject to speculation, with Fulham reportedly interested in securing his services. Milan are believed to be open to offloading Chukwueze to reduce their wage bill and potentially recoup some of the €20 million investment made last summer. His performance against Perth, however, could potentially influence Allegri’s assessment of his role within the squad for the upcoming season.
The pre-season tour has provided valuable insights into Allegri’s tactical approach and his expectations for the season. His emphasis on mental strength underlines his belief that psychological resilience is as important as tactical acumen. The dominant performances against Liverpool and Perth Glory demonstrate the attacking potential within the squad, while the narrow loss to Arsenal served as a reminder of the challenges ahead. With the return to Italy and the commencement of competitive matches, the focus shifts from experimentation and preparation to delivering results under pressure. Allegri’s return to Milan heralds a new chapter, and the upcoming season promises to be a testing ground for both the manager and his revitalized squad.
