Allegri still confident of Milan triumph

Massimiliano Allegri has refused to panic after his side’s loss at Palermo on Saturday, saying AC Milan are still confident of Scudetto glory.

Allegri watched on as a sluggish Rossoneri conceded a 10th-minute opener from Dorian Goian and were never able to redress the balance.

The loss leaves Milan’s lead in Serie A in a perilous position, with Inter Milan able to draw within two points of their city rivals with a win over lowly Lecce on Sunday.

Napoli also have the opportunity to put themselves just three points behind Milan when they host Cagliari.

But Allegri, whose side has taken just one point of a possible six in their last two matches, said it is too early to start worrying about other sides.

“Going down early on was not helpful and we didn’t play well in the first half, especially the final third,” the Milan boss said.

“It was better after the break, although considering all our possession we didn’t have enough shots on target.”

“Although it was better to avoid it, a defeat can happen. Fortunately we are going into the break for international duty now and have time to get our ideas in order.”

“In any case, we are still top of the table, and we’ll see what Inter and Napoli do tomorrow.”

Milan were without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the trip to Palermo as the Swede serves a three-match ban, but Allegri refused to blame the loss on his absent striker.

“There’s no point talking about how important Ibra is for us,” Allegri said.

“Tonight we should’ve done more; we have to analyse what didn’t work.”

“Alexandre Pato and Antonio Cassano were playing as a pair for the first time, so it’s natural it’d take a while to settle.”

“I had to look at the full 90 minutes, as Robinho is tired and Kevin-Prince Boateng cannot play a full game at the moment.”

“I remain convinced Milan are the favourites for the Scudetto, so even if things go badly, we’ll still be two points in front.”