Massimiliano Allegri celebrated Milan’s first European away win in two years and singled out Christian Abbiati for praise.
Massimiliano Allegri celebrated Milan’s first European away win in two years and singled out Christian Abbiati for praise.
“It’s an important victory, but I am convinced this group will only be decided at the very end,” he said of a 3-2 win over Zenit in St Petersburg.
“The first half was very good, then Zenit made some tactical adjustments and didn’t really let us play anymore.
“I have to praise the lads, as we kept looking for the win throughout the match.”
Stephan El Shaarawy scored a wonderful individual goal, but Abbiati kept Milan afloat with a series of stunning saves.
“Abbiati made some great saves both in the first and second half. He is an excellent goalkeeper who in my two years here at Milan has done great things. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but a goalkeeping error is always highlighted more than any other.”
Milan have a confidence booster going into Sunday night’s Derby della Madonnina against Inter.
“We should avoid conceding goals on set plays. We are going into the derby with a good victory, but we know that it is a one-off match and we’ll play it to the best of our abilities.”