Allegri cautious ahead of Palermo trip

AC Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri will be not underestimate Palermo when he takes his Serie A leaders to the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Allegri’s team top the Italian top-flight table by five points ahead of defending champions and cross-city rivals Inter Milan.

They could only draw 1-1 at home to Bari in their last match, but should have little trouble dispensing with a Palermo team that have lost five consecutive matches.

Nevertheless, Allegri and his players must leave nothing to chance as they seek to capture their first Scudetto since 2004.

“(Palermo manager) Serse Cosmi is a prepared coach who knows how to manage his team,” Allegri said.

“It will be difficult because Palermo are coming off five straight defeats. They are playing at home and are a team in possession of undeniable technical qualities in midfield and in attack.”

“We’ll find an opponent who can create a lot of difficulties for us. We know that they don’t joke in attack.”

“Yes, the numbers says that on a defensive level they concede something, but every game is different. Milan will need to give a great technical performance.”

“Palermo have players who can make the difference like Pastore, Miccoli and Pinilla, but I wouldn’t like to forget that we have Nesta, Thiago Silva, Pato and Seedorf.”

“The team is good and if we manage to stay calm and collected at the Barbera we will give a great performance.”