Massimiliano Allegri refused to be drawn into discussing AC Milan’s Serie A title chances ahead of Friday’s trip to Pisa, despite the Rossoneri sitting second in the table following their 3-0 win over Bologna.
Milan are currently on 50 points, eight behind leaders and rivals Inter. A victory at Arena Garibaldi would see them match their second-best tally at this stage of a league campaign. Historically, such numbers have signalled success — Milan had 53 points at this point in 1995-96 and 61 in 2003-04, going on to win the Scudetto in both seasons.
However, Opta’s supercomputer still gives Inter a commanding 84.8% chance of lifting the title, with Milan rated at 11.4%. Napoli (2.8%), Juventus (0.6%) and Roma (0.4%) trail behind.
Allegri Keeps Feet Firmly on the Ground
Despite the encouraging position, Allegri insists Milan’s priority remains securing Champions League qualification.
“Today, we’re in a good position in the table, but it’s not enough,” he said.
“You don’t even get to the Conference League with 50 points. The closer we get to the Champions League mark, the better we’ll be doing in the standings.”
Allegri acknowledged Inter’s strength while also highlighting competition from Napoli and a resurgent Juventus. He admitted Milan’s biggest regret this season was their Coppa Italia performance but stressed that maintaining focus is crucial as the derby approaches.
Pisa Threat Not Being Ignored
Although Pisa have not won a Serie A match since November 7, Allegri warned against complacency.
“At the moment, Pisa are fighting to stay in Serie A. They’re a physical team and create a lot at home,” he added.
Milan have struggled against lower-ranked and promoted sides this season. They lost to Cremonese on the opening day and dropped points at home to Pisa and Sassuolo. In fact, they collected just two points combined against Pisa, Cremonese and Parma in the first half of the campaign.
Injury Updates Boost Milan
Allegri confirmed Christian Pulisic will return to the squad, though only for limited minutes after recently rejoining full training.
“Pulisic will be available… but he only has 15-20 minutes in his legs,” Allegri explained.
Rafael Leao is improving, while Santiago Gimenez is progressing well and could return within a month. Alexis Saelemaekers remains sidelined but is also nearing fitness.
Players to Watch
Pisa – Rafiu Durosinmi
Durosinmi has been involved in a goal in each of his two home Serie A appearances, contributing to two of Pisa’s three home goals this season. Another decisive contribution would put him in rare company, with Olivier Giroud the last player to score or assist in each of his first three home Serie A games.
Milan – Adrien Rabiot
Rabiot has eight goal involvements in Serie A this season (four goals, four assists), seven of which have come away from home. No midfielder has matched that away contribution tally in the current campaign.
Match Prediction: Milan Win
Milan are unbeaten in all 13 of their Serie A meetings with Pisa (10 wins, three draws). They have won five of their six away matches against Pisa, including each of the last four visits.
Avoiding defeat would also see Milan equal their third-longest unbeaten run in a single Serie A season (23 matches). Only their 24-game run in 1950-51 and the historic 34-match unbeaten 1991-92 campaign stand longer.
Pisa did earn a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture — their first time scoring more than once against Milan in the top flight — but they have never managed to remain unbeaten against the Rossoneri across both league meetings in a single season.
With history on their side and momentum building, Milan will look to keep the pressure on Inter — even if their manager refuses to talk about the title race just yet.