Allegri upbeat about Milan's top-four hopes
Massimiliano Allegri remained upbeat about AC Milan's top-four hopes despite its 1-1 draw with Roma at Stadio Olimpico.
Milan took the lead in the 62nd minute through Koni De Winter's fine header, but the Rossoneri were unable to hold on as they conceded a penalty 12 minutes later.
Lorenzo Pellegrini stepped up to coolly dispatch from 12 yards, with the spoils shared as Milan's impressive unbeaten streak in Serie A extended to 21 matches.
Indeed, it is the longest such stretch across Europe's top five leagues, though Milan may feel it was perhaps fortunate to leave the capital with a point.
"I think the first few minutes were good, then Roma pushed us back, they kept getting to the second ball quicker than we did and were dangerous," Allegri said. "Maignan did well to keep us in the game with some good saves. After the break, it was different. We did better on a technical level and Roma also lost some of their intensity.
"Once we had taken the lead, the match seemed to be on track, but these incidents can happen.
"We leave with a positive result, as coming to the Olimpico and getting a point at this stage of the season is very important.
"We gained a point on Napoli and maintained Roma at the same distance they were before."
Roma's dominance was summed up at the break, with Milan ending a first half of a league game with 10 more shots conceded than taken (11 v one in this match) for the first time since July 2020, against Napoli (11).
January signing Niclas Fullkrug was brought on in the 68th minute, but was unable to get at the Roma defence as he saw a late header go over the crossbar.
Christian Pulisic was also used as a substitute by Allegri, who elected to start with a front two of Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku.
"They are all important players," Allegri said of his team selection.
"When I had to make changes, Leao and Nkunku were improving, but I needed someone good in the air with the determination of Pulisic who could kill off the game.
"Of course, the moment you think one thing, something else happens."
Milan is five points behind rival and Serie A leader Inter, which thumped Pisa 6-2.
