Sampdoria vs AC Milan preview - Galliani gives Allegri vote of confidence

Posted Sunday, January 13, 2013 by PA

AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri will still have a job at the end of the season, according to vice-president Adriano Galliani, unless he loses 19 matches in a row.

Allegri appeared to have put an end to reports of his imminent departure from the San Siro by rectifying Milan's poor start to the season as he brought the Rossoneri into contention for Europe.

But this week club president Silvio Berlusconi confirmed media suspicions that ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola had been the subject of an unsuccessful approach earlier in the season.

Ahead of Sunday's game with Sampdoria, Galliani moved to assure his coach that he was on the right track to earning a contract extension.

He told Gazzetta.it: "Allegri has a contract that runs until 2014. It's obvious that any renewal is tied to results.

"If he loses the next 19 matches then he won't be the Milan coach any more. But if everything goes to plan then there won't be a problem."

Galliani also poured cold water on speculation linking the Milan giants with a host of January signings.

"Robinho is staying with us," he added. "So do you think that means we need another striker?

"I am telling you no, there is no move for (Manchester City striker Mario) Balotelli and Galatasaray have not made a bid for (Kevin-Prince) Boateng. Even if one had arrived I would have said no."

In relation to influential Catania midfielder Francesco Lodi, though, Galliani said: "I've asked about him but they turned me down."

Milan's nightmare start to the season began with a surprise home defeat to Sampdoria, and the Rossoneri have lost this fixture twice from their last three attempts.

Sampdoria spent all week on cloud nine and are back in 14th place having claimed the most unlikely of 2-1 victories at Juventus last weekend.

Sebastian Giovinco put the reigning champions ahead but a well-taken brace from Mauro Icardi earned Delio Rossi his first win as Samp coach.

Ciro Ferrara's replacement said: "We were under the cosh but I made some tactical adjustments and the guys took to them well. We were good but also a bit lucky."

Defender Gaetano Berardi will not feature on Sunday thanks to his dismissal against the Bianconeri, with forwards Nicola Pozzi, Maxi Lopez and Enzo Maresca all struggling with injuries.