PRESSURE MOUNTS

Pressure on the Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri increased after the 3-3 draw with Bologna during the weekend. As a result of this result, Milan have only two victories in the last five matches. They have taken just five points from the opening five matches of the season, which sees them in the 12th place of the table. Allegri’s future was under a lot of doubt even after getting the team into the top three last season, and the speculation has increased even more after this very poor start to the campaign. Allegri, though, said that he was happy with the performance of his players after the Bologna match.

Even though they opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Poli, Milan were down 3-1 just after the hour mark. They would have been easily defeated in the match had it not been for the late goals. Robinho scored in the 89th minute to make the score line 3-2, while Abate’s injury time goal gave Milan at least a point from the match. They will be playing against top opposition like Ajax in the next few matches. Their only victories in the last five matches have come against Celtic and Cagliari.

The next league match will be against Sampdoria at the San Siro, and three points is a must if Allegri is to remain in the job.

“We knew it was going to be a tough season and to make it into the top three will be very difficult. But by Christmas we will be in much better condition in terms of form and league position. Other teams have started well and we have dropped a few points. But the side is improving and I have complete faith in the players. We can’t rely on individuals,” said Allegri, who was without the suspended Mario Balotelli for the match.