Allegri praises Milan performance against Arsenal and looks ahead to Liverpool test | OneFootball

Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan take on Liverpool in Hong Kong on Saturday and the Italian head coach has said that the match “Is an important test and we need to put in a better performance than the one against Arsenal.”

However, he was proud of his team’s “good game defensively” against the Gunners and despite “having some attacking chances we didn’t take,” Allegri said that, with quotes via Gazzetta, that “for now that’s okay.”

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – JULY 23: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is challenged by Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and AC Milan at National Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Could Allegri continue to play Rafael Leao at striker?

In the match against Arsenal, Allegri started the match with Portuguese forward Rafael Leao as a lone striker, as opposed to the flank that he has so often played for the Rossoneri since signing from Lille in 2019.

Allegri hinted that Leao could continue to play in that role, saying “I liked him against Arsenal. Him and the rest of the team. We put in a good defensive performance and could have been more clinical in front of goal but we did create some chances.”

Massimiliano Allegri prior to the pre-season friendly between Milan and Arsenal in Singapore on July 23, 2025 (picture via: www.arsenal.com)

Allegri not jealous of Liverpool budget, delighted with Estupiñan and Modric

Ahead of the match against Liverpool, Allegri was asked whether or not he was envious of the financial resources his opposing manager, Arne Slot, has at his disposal. The Premier League champions have already spent over €300 million this summer, adding the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké and Milos Kerkez to their ranks.

However, Allegri was not jealous: “I’m not because our club is doing good work in the transfer market. Estupiñán has arrived and he’ll be important for us. Now we need to find more players who are good and suited to our squad.”

Milan have also signed experienced midfielder Luka Modric this summer, who Allegri described as “a champion and an extraordinary player from a technical point of view. He’ll be an example for everyone both on and off the pitch.”