Zambrotta advocates calm after Varese defeat

Veteran AC Milan full-back Gianluca Zambrotta insisted there was nothing to worry about after Milan lost their opening friendly of the new campaign against Serie B Varese.

Although playing a largely first choice outfit packed with experience, Milan were simply not at the same physical level as their neighbours on Sunday.

But Zambrotta said nothing should be read into the result ahead of a crucial season for the aging Milan team.

“It was the same last year and then we did well and challenged for the title,” he said referring to last year’s disastrous pre-season in which they lost eight of 11 games.

“You need to find yourselves in the first (pre-season) games and there’s no reason to panic.”

Zambrotta, who was a part of Italy’s calamitous World Cup defence in South Africa, in which they crashed out in the group stages, paid tribute to his new boss at Milan, Massimiliano Allegri.

“He’s a capable and young coach who has a great desire to do well,” he said.

The 33-year-old full-back is also hoping to win back a regular place in the Milan team having spent much of the end of last season on the bench.

“At the end of last season I was fit but I was left out of the team for technical reasons which I respected but didn’t agree with,” he said.

“This year I am ready to give 100 percent as always and we’ll see.

“It will depend on what I manage to do. No-one wants to be on the bench but if that happens I’ll still try to help, with my experience, the person playing in my position.”