Max Allegri shares insights on his ejection during the dramatic conclusion of AC Milan’s 1-0 victory over Lazio and discusses the impact of Adrien Rabiot on his team.
The first half posed challenges, with Mike Maignan making crucial saves, including a header from Mario Gila and a drive by Mattia Zaccagni that kept the score level.
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After halftime, the Rossoneri managed to score through a well-constructed team play, with Rafael Leao converting from close range.
Tensions escalated in stoppage time when both Allegri and Lazio assistant Marco Ianni were dismissed from the sidelines during a VAR review. A potential penalty wasn’t awarded as Adam Marusic fouled Strahinja Pavlovic before the handball occurred.
Allegri Sent Off During Stoppage Time
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Referee Giuseppe Collu shows a red card to Massimiliano Allegri during the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 29, 2025. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“The final minutes were a bit chaotic, and I understand it wasn’t easy for the referee when VAR intervened,” Allegri remarked to Sky Sport Italia.
What prompted his dismissal prior to any ruling? Allegri explained, “The same referee officiated our opening match against Cremonese, and I questioned why there’s always an issue with him. It led to my sending off. Given the tumult, it was natural for him to make that call, but I never intended to insult him.
“Regarding the match, we struggled early on as Lazio’s vigorous pressing restricted our passing lanes. This forced us into riskier passes, leading to errors. However, in the second half, we elevated our tempo, and Lazio’s dropped a bit, allowing us to create more favorable opportunities, culminating in the goal.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri and SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri prior to the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 29, 2025. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
This victory places Milan at the top of the table temporarily, with the possibility of holding that position pending the Napoli vs. Roma clash tomorrow.
Allegri noted that in the last decade, the Diavolo has only been at the top after 13 rounds twice, both times finishing first or second. He commented, “We must remain diligent, maintaining our humility and the drive to reclaim possession while functioning as a cohesive unit. There’s palpable enthusiasm within the squad and from the fans, which is the crucial quality we need to continue leveraging.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri during the Serie A match against SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 29, 2025. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
On Rafael Leao’s development as a Number 9 in his new position, Allegri stated, “Leao has previously played as a centre-forward at Lille and showcased his ability with a notable header today. He’s started making runs toward the box when the ball comes from outside, while also having the flexibility to maneuver in various attacking roles.”
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Allegri also spoke about Adrien Rabiot’s influence, stating that since Rabiot joined the starting XI, Milan boasts an almost perfect win record. He acknowledged, “Since our time at Juventus, Adrien has made significant improvements. He possesses great physicality, tactical intelligence, and is a true team player. For a squad aspiring for the top, having players dedicated to the collective goal is vital. I have multiple players who infuse passion into their game, making a tremendous impact. Adrien, in particular, has an exceptional work rate in midfield.”