Allegri applauds resolute defending

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has paid tribute to Lazio’s stout defending after his side were held to a 0-0 draw at the San Siro on Tuesday.

Despite enjoying the bulk of the possession and creating several gilt-edged chances, Milan could not break through Lazio’s defence and will see their lead at the top of Serie A cut to two points if Napoli beat Chievo Verona on Wednesday.

Although disappointed to miss out on all three points, Allegri said one positive to come out of the match was the performance of his own defence – who have now conceded just one goal from their past four Serie A games.

“In the first half we were a bit rushed and we made too many errors passing,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.

“Lazio defended very well and we hardly shot, but we had come into the game having played six games spaced out every three days.”

“There was confusion at times, but we played well in other moments. It’s the third game we have not conceded, and so this is good.”

Lazio boss Edy Reja was thrilled with the effort of his side, who remain in third place in the league – a surprising performance given their 12th-placed finish last term.

“We head back home with a very good point,” Reja said.

“A team cannot expect to go away to Milan and play their own game for 90 minutes.”

“Perhaps we could have done something more overall, but in any case we were good at the back throughout.”