Forget the past, says Allegri

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has called on his players to forget their Champions League exit and return to Serie A renewed on Sunday.

Milan face bottom-placed Bari at the San Siro, and received a pleasant surprise on Friday when Inter Milan could only draw at Brescia.

That result means Milan can spring seven points clear of their city rivals on the league table with a positive result against Bari, who have managed just one win and two draws away from home all season.

Allegri acknowledged his players were weary after their Champions League defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday, but said he hoped to see a renewed intensity when Milan take to their home pitch on Sunday.

“We must play with great commitment, knowing we need to give our best in order to win,” Allegri said.

“We cannot think we can defeat Bari with minimum effort.”

“Of course players start to be tired at this time of the season but I think the team is fit; they proved it on Wednesday.”

“We have a positive attitude and it should be like this, it should be a good competition. (Friday’s) training for example was very intense, even if it was not much time after the Champions League game.”

“Everyone was sorry on Wednesday after being knocked out. AC Milan was not only aiming to win the Serie A title, we aimed to win Champions League and we aim to win Coppa Italia too.”

“At this point of the season in Champions League you’re in or you’re out and AC Milan did everything to remain in.”