Massimiliano Allegri (foto: Getty Images)
Antonio Cassano sharply criticised Milan and coach Massimiliano Allegri, accusing the team of poor football despite leading Serie A and calling Luka Modrić their key stabilising force.
Antonio Cassano has once again sparked major debate in Italy after launching a fierce verbal attack on Milan and their coach Massimiliano Allegri, claiming the Rossoneri are playing “derutan football” under his leadership.
Cassano, known for his outspoken commentary, didn’t hold back when analysing Milan’s recent performances.
“I get nervous because I have to insult him. I don’t see anything positive from Allegri,” he said.
“You’ll tell me he’s top of the table — I don’t care. Apart from the match against Udinese, they’ve played several terrible games. Against Inter, and the first 60 minutes against Lazio, it was shameful.”
Cassano: Milan do not deserve first place
He insisted that Allegri is taking credit for achievements he did not produce.
“If Berlusconi — God rest his soul — were still alive, I’d love to talk to him because he always valued the aesthetics of football. Everyone says Allegri built this team, that he outsmarts others because he’s clever, but he takes credit for things he didn’t do.”
Although Milan currently sit top of Serie A, Cassano believes that position is misleading.
“I’m telling you, they will struggle to finish in the top four. He’s taking credit for Leão’s four or five goals, but the other day he was scandalous. That wasn’t a rehearsed action — it was pure coincidence.”
Cassano added that Milan’s results heavily depend on Mike Maignan.
“The only thing I can say is that they’re first. Deserved? No. Do they play good football? No. They have four or five more points this season thanks to goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Without those saves, we’d see where they really belong. Tough times are coming, and I want to see how that looks.”
“Allegri will face Mourinho’s fate”
Cassano predicted that Allegri’s trajectory will mirror that of José Mourinho.
“Remember what I said about Mourinho — that he was finished, that people would forget him. The same will happen to Allegri. I can’t imagine Milan, a team that once played the most entertaining football in Italy, playing this dreadful stuff in 2025.”
He described Milan’s tactical shape as unacceptable.
“I was at the stadium the other day with my kids. They played 5-4-1 or 6-3-1 — what on earth is that? I’d be ashamed.”
Praise for Modrić — but with a pointed message
To end, Cassano turned to Luka Modrić, offering both praise and criticism.
“I take my hat off to Modrić, but today he’s the best defensive midfielder in Serie A. Because of him, Pavlović and Tomori look good. But why does Allegri put everyone in front of the goalkeeper?” he asked.