Bologna vs AC Milan preview - Allegri calls for concentration

Posted Sunday, December 11, 2011 by PA

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has demanded a strong finish to the year from his players ahead of Sunday's game at Bologna.

The Rossoneri lie in second place in the Serie A, just two points behind leaders Juventus, and the manager is keen to accrue as many points as possible between now and Christmas.

"The important thing is to maintain our concentration," Allegri said.

"We have to get as many points as possible from before the Christmas break."

Milan, who are ahead of Udinese in the standings on goal difference, have not lost since October 2 - an unbeaten run which stretches back to eight league games.

The reigning champions followed up a 2-0 win at Genoa last weekend with a 2-2 draw at Viktoria Plzen in midweek in the Champions League.

"We are going through a good run of form, physically and mentally," Allegri said.

"It's obvious that results help to improve performance.

"But there is still a long way to go and we must continue to give continuity to our results."

Milan will be bolstered by the return of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic this weekend.

Ibrahimovic was rested in midweek but is set to partner Alexandre Pato in attack at Bologna, who go into the encounter looking to bounce back from their elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Juventus.

Bologna lost 2-1 on Thursday in Turin to bow out of the competition, but coach Stefano Pioli will be hoping his side can pick up where it left off in last weekend's 1-0 triumph over Siena that saw them climb four points clear of the drop zone.

The Rossoblu have yet to win at home this season but firmly believe they can pull out a surprise on Sunday.

"I think if we play as we did against Siena, we can create a lot of problems to any team," Pioli said.

"We will try to surprise Milan, knowing that we face a very difficult game."

The visitors will be without midfielders Antonio Nocerino, Gennaro Gattuso, defender Alessandro Nesta and goalkeeper Christian Abbiati who are all out injured.