Milan braced for pivotal fixtures

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri believes the coming weeks will prove decisive in the battle for the Serie A title.

Milan, top of the table by six points, are away to Lecce on Sunday.

They have matches against Cesena and Catania to come, before what is shaping as a key clash with third-place Lazio on February 1.

“The next six rounds could be crucial for the Scudetto race,” Allegri said.

“We are not afraid of Inter or Roma, Napoli, Lazio and Juventus. We have to focus only on ourselves.”

Milan were forced to come from behind three times to draw 4-4 with Udinese in their last league outing, but Allegri will resist making widespread changes for the trip to Lecce’s Stadio Via del Mare.

“We made mistakes against Udinese, but this does not change my evaluation of players like Marco Amelia, Luca Antonini and Daniele Bonera,” Allegri said.

“Tomorrow Amelia will be in goal. It’s not easy for him to play after such a long time on the bench, but he gives me a sense of security and we must learn from our mistakes.”

Lecce could prove a tough prospect in front of their own fans after they notched a surprise 2-1 win over Lazio on January 9.

“It will certainly be a revitalised team and we must not make the error of thinking it could be an easy match,” Allegri said.

“It is an important test, even if there’s a long way to go yet this season. It is our duty to maintain balance even in the tough times, remaining aware that we are strong and top of the table.”

New signing Antonio Cassano has made decisive contributions with assists off the bench in Milan’s last two matches, but Allegri revealed it was still not enough to earn the former Roma and Real Madrid man a place in Sunday’s starting line-up.

“It’s important that he works hard in training and his form is becoming acceptable,” he said.

“He’ll start from the bench tomorrow and then we will see.”