Udinese vs AC Milan preview - Allegri has "no problem with Pippo"

Posted Sunday, September 23, 2012 by PA

Massimiliano Allegri and Filippo Inzaghi were forced to deny rumours of a public bust-up ahead of AC Milan's trip to face Udinese.

Reports in Italy suggested the under-pressure Rossoneri head coach had exchanged insults with the club's former star striker, now in charge of the youth set-up, when the pair encountered each other at the Vismara centre.

Allegri's job is already under threat as a result of a disappointing start to the season - last year's runners-up failing to score at home and winning just once on the road - and Inzaghi is among those tipped as a possible replacement should the former Cagliari boss leave the San Siro.

But in a press conference televised on Milan Channel, Allegri said: "Nothing happened, absolutely nothing.

"There is no problem with Pippo and there is a great relationship between the first team and the youth set-up.

"There was an exchange of opinions without any bad language, and no offence was taken.

"I hope to stay at Milan for some time, but I won't be here forever and Filippo has all the characteristics needed to be an excellent coach.

"We have only collected three points in the league but the team is new and I think we've played some good football.

"I don't think the situation is as bad as people are making out."

Inzaghi added: "It lasted for one minute. The youth team didn't notice anything because nothing happened.

"We all love Milan. Rather than writing about things that didn't happen, Milan need a helping hand."

Allegri added: "It will be hard on Sunday because (Udinese) did well in the Europa League. We can't underestimate them."

Influential midfielder Riccardo Montolivo could return to action but Milan are still without Robinho and Daniele Bonera.

Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin allowed himself to smile for the first time this season as Antonio Di Natale salvaged a late draw against Anzhi Makhachkala in the Europa League.

He told the Gazzetta dello Sport: "It will take a while for the project to come together, I hope the fans understand that.

"Maybe for the last two years the team was stronger than we expected.

"Let's look at things realistically, we know our level, if we stay committed to the cause we will succeed. We are always Udinese."

The Friulians have not beaten Sunday's opposition at the Stadio Friuli since September 2009 - the only goalscorer on that day a certain Di Natale.