Can AC Milan’s pragmatic path under Max Allegri lead to Serie A contention?

After a pivotal victory over league leaders Inter, Massimiliano Allegri’s AC Milan have moved within seven points of the summit, boasting the division’s best defensive record as they enter the season’s final stretch.

​AC Milan have reignited the Serie A title race following a historic Derby della Madonnina victory, completing a rare league double over Inter.

Under Massimiliano Allegri, the Rossoneri have transformed into Italy’s most disciplined defensive unit, conceding only 20 goals thus far.

Pervis Estupinan’s winner silenced critics of Allegri’s pragmatic 3-5-2 system, which has revitalized the careers of Fikayo Tomori and Alexis Saelemaekers.

​Despite the defensive solidity, concerns persist regarding Milan’s offensive output compared to Inter’s superior scoring rate.

The team averages just 1.6 goals per match, hampered by injury struggles for stars Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic.

With loan signing Niclas Fullkrug sidelined and Christopher Nkunku struggling for consistency, Allegri has frequently been forced to field makeshift strike partnerships, including utilizing Ruben Loftus-Cheek in advanced roles.

​The Rossoneri must now navigate a demanding schedule while addressing a lack of depth in central midfield.

While 40-year-old Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot have been instrumental, the heavy reliance on veteran legs poses a sustainability risk.

If Milan is to overhaul Inter’s lead, they must improve their efficiency against low-block teams, having previously dropped points against relegation-threatened sides like Pisa and Fiorentina.