Allegri: Title within reach

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri knows his team is within reach of the Serie A title after their 1-0 win over Bologna on Sunday.

An eighth-minute strike from Mathieu Flamini was all that separated the two sides, keeping Milan eight points clear of Inter.

Another point is all Allegri’s side need to clinch the title and the manager knows they took another step towards claiming it.

“Today’s victory takes us closer to the Scudetto,” Allegri said. “We’re lacking just one more point and will try to get it as soon as possible.”

“It was not an easy game, as Bologna put pressure on us, especially as this sort of game involves a lot more tension than others.”

“Now, we will try to get the mathematics under lock and key so that we can focus on the Coppa Italia semi-final with Palermo.”

If not for a late double from substitute Giampaolo Pazzini for Inter on Saturday, Milan would have the title sewn up.

Allegri acknowledges the mixed feelings that went through the camp as Pazzini popped up in the 92nd and 95th minutes to help seal a 2-1 win at Cesena.

“Yesterday, we went from a moment of joy for Inter’s imminent defeat or draw to a moment of bitterness, but we knew that we had to win today anyway,” Allegri said.

“We did it and that’s all we need to focus on.”

Bologna manager Alberto Malesani was unhappy with the officiating during the encounter, which saw his team reduced to 10 men when substitute Francesco Della Rocca saw red with eight minutes to play.

“Once again we were penalised by a referee who was having an off day,” Malesani said.

“In Bologna’s best period of the game, when Milan were gasping for air, (referee Andrea) De Marco penalised us by inexplicably sending off Della Rocca.”

“It was absurd. At the final whistle, I told De Marco that you cannot do these things in football.”

“We were on the end of worse fouls than the one Della Rocca did and they weren’t even punished with a booking. Throughout the entire match the referee judged things differently.”