Milan character shines through: Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri has saluted the character of AC Milan after they rebounded from their shock loss to Tottenham with a win over Chievo.

Milan fell victim to a late Peter Crouch header as Spurs took a 1-0 away win the first leg of their Champions League tie during the week, much to Allegri’s concern.

But the Serie A leaders got back to their winning ways at Chievo on Sunday, with substitute striker Alexandre Pato firing off a late goal to give the league leaders a 2-1 win which helps keep pursuers Inter Milan, Napoli and Lazio at bay.

Allegri admitted Milan were not at their best in Verona, but was nevertheless impressed by the determination of his players to keep attacking after Gelson Fernandes equalised on the hour for the hosts.

“It is never easy to control a game,” Allegri told Sky Sports.

“We struggled out there at times but the most important thing this afternoon is the win, and the three points.”

“It was never easy to bounce back following our setback in the Champions League during the week.”

“I certainly don’t think we deserved to lose (against Tottenham), but we demonstrated that we are a side with character with a victory over a tricky Chievo side.”

Milan’s victory maintains their five-point gap over Inter in second, but Allegri denied the victory was sending a message to the fellow title hopefuls.

“I don’t think this has sent any signals to our rivals because, being in first place, we are only concerned about ourselves,” he said.

“Both Inter and Napoli have to be considered our rivals but we mustn’t forget the likes of Lazio, who again won this afternoon.”