No rest for Milan after derby win

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Saturday’s match against Fiorentina could be equally important as last weekend’s derby victory.

Allegri’s side defeated reigning champions Inter Milan 1-0 last time out to retain top spot on the Serie A table, but with second-placed Lazio just a point behind, the manager knows the derby win will count for little if his team are beaten by Fiorentina on Sunday.

The Florence side have failed to win away from home this season, but despite their poor record on the road, Allegri remains wary of the Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side.

“It’s going to be a difficult game,” Allegri said.

“We have to face it in the best possible way. My team is mature enough to understand the importance of this game and the value of all of our games before the Christmas break.”

“We cannot be presumptuous. We must respect everyone because the Italian league is difficult and tomorrow’s game should be just as important as the derby.”

AC must also contend with the added distraction of a vital midweek European game against Ligue 1 side Auxerre.

“We do have an important game on Tuesday in view of qualifying for the next round of the Champions League,” Allegri said.

“We must take one game at a time. Fiorentina will be motivated while we will have to find the right concentration in order to collect three points.”

While acknowledging the size of the task they face on Sunday, Fiorentina coach Mihajlovic is paying no heed to the concerns about his side’s inability to win on the road.

The 41-year-old former Inter man believes his players are equipped to challenge any side in the league.

“We know it will not be easy to get a positive result in Milan against the Serie A leaders,” Mihajlovic said.

“People say we are the underdogs but people can say whatever they want because we have confidence in our means.”

“We are a team that can make life difficult for any rival.”