Since Allegri returned to San Siro in May 2025, Milan have made major strides at the back. They have conceded only nine goals in 11 league matches, one of the best records in Serie A, behind Roma on five and Como on six. Against top opposition such as Juventus, Napoli, Atalanta, Bologna and Roma, Milan have been particularly resilient, allowing just two goals.

Yet they have also dropped costly points against struggling sides including Pisa, Parma, and Cremonese, conceding six times in those fixtures.

That inconsistency was highlighted again in their latest outing, a 2-2 draw away to Parma, where Milan squandered a two-goal lead despite appearing in full control. It followed disappointing results against newly promoted sides Pisa and a shock opening-day home loss to Cremonese, and Allegri has made it clear he expects a sharper edge from his players.

"We need to reflect on what happened," Allegri said before the trip to Parma. "Against Cremonese, we conceded two goals from two crosses. Against Pisa, we didn't finish the game. When an opponent is struggling, we must press and close the game. Matches can change fast, we have to stay focused until the final whistle."

The numbers underline the issue. Milan have scored first in nine of their 11 league matches, but only twice have they gone on to win comfortably. Allegri's side have never lost after taking the lead, yet late equalisers from Pisa and Atalanta have cost valuable points in the title race.

Still, there are reasons for optimism. Milan's defence has become one of the most organised in the division, with the back line led by the improving Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw. Their attacking talent, featuring Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, continues to create chances, but Allegri wants to see them become more clinical, much like city rivals Inter, who have turned early leads into dominant victories in recent seasons.

"The fewer goals we concede, the better," Allegri has repeatedly said since his return to the bench. "But to reach the next level, we must learn to finish games. We need to knock opponents out when the opportunity comes."

With a solid defensive base and growing squad depth, Allegri believes Milan are on the right path, but he knows that ruthlessness in front of goal will decide whether they can turn progress into silverware this season.

Mason Mount and Raphael Varane return to training for Manchester United