25 December 2018
It's a unique Christmas for the Bianconeri, who tomorrow will contend in a Boxing Day fixture for the first time in 47 years, when they travel to play Atalanta in Bergamo. Ahead of the game Massimiliano Allegri sat down to speak to Sky Sport on Christmas Day, to give his thoughts on the upcoming match.
BOXING DAY CHALLENGE
"Today is a day of celebration where families and loved ones meet, whilst we get together to prepare for tomorrow's match and then depart for Bergamo. I asked my players to take tomorrow seriously and bring home the three points, because there is a particular atmosphere of celebration, so it's important we are at the right mental level, otherwise we risk giving a gift to Atalanta. "We know that we face a physical and aggressive team, who are coming into the game after a defeat in Genoa, and will be play on a difficult pitch and in a full stadium. We will try to bring home the three points we need on our journey towards the Scudetto, through a defensive and offensive performance.
REST FOR RONALDO
"Cristiano Ronaldo will not play tomorrow. However, he is available and will be called up, so for the first time we will watch the game together from the bench! Joking aside, I'm very happy with what he's doing. I was reading some statistics and this year is his best start to a debut season, but must have him still in top shape come March, when there will be the Champions League and he will have to be decisive, as he has always been."
WHICH PRESENT FOR CHRISTMAS?
"The gifts I would like to receive are at the end of the season. We will try to collect one present on January 16, the Italian Super Cup. Then we will have the opportunity to pick up more presents later, but we will have to be playing well to make it happen for ourselves."
