Allegri praises young centre-backs

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes the future is bright for the club’s defence.

The back four has always been a traditional strength among Milan teams over the last 20 years, dating back to the days of Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta but in the last couple of seasons, Milan have struggled, not least due to the often injury-induced inavailability of Alessandro Nesta.

However, following the penalty defeat after a 0-0 draw with Juventus in the Berlusconi Trophy at the San Siro on Sunday night, Allegri paid tribute to Thiago Silva, 25, and new Greek signing from Genoa Soktratis Papastathopoulos, 22.

“In central defence Thaigo Silva and Papastathopoulos did well but also the rest of the defence played well,” he said before also expressing his satisfaction with Ronaldinho’s condition.

“Ronaldinho is a player who has all the physical qualities to do well and (Sunday night) he showed he can have a positive effect on our season.”

The 43-year-old coach also expressed his pleasure at the developpment of Nigerian forward Nnamdi Oduamadi.

“In attack Oduamadi worked hard. It wasn’t easy for him to play his first match at the San Siro (but) I’m happy and satisfied with what he did on the pitch.”

Milan begin their campaign on Sunday at home to newly promoted Lecce.