Allegri savours Milan celebrations

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was in awe of the celebrations that came with winning the Serie A title.

The Rossoneri clinched their 18th Scudetto – and first since 2004 – with a goalless draw at AS Roma earlier this month and it was party time at home against Cagliari on Saturday as they eased to a 4-1 victory in front of a parochial Milan crowd.

But the match was almost a sideshow, given the players had already been driven to the ground in an open-top bus and had performed a lap of honour inside the ground prior to kick-off.

Up to 50,000 fans also greeted the players in Piazza Duomo before the match and Allegri said the day was a tremendous experience.

“It was wonderful for me and the first time I’ve experienced anything like that, so I was amazed and fascinated,” he said.

“I wanted the lads to end the campaign in the best way with the fans and President here for us.”

Allegri said the title was achieved because of the hard work done by the squad during the pre-season.

“I immediately asked the side to train with intensity, as that is what prepares you for the pitch, but that is also a work ethic at Milan decades ago with Arrigo Sacchi,” Allegri said.

“I merely asked them to work for the team and that is what they did for me and each other.”