Allegri, Conte confident of victory

20 March 2012 16:06

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said his side can overturn their deficit to Juventus in their Coppa Italia semi-final second leg.

The San Siro outfit will have to work hard to reverse a 2-1 deficit from their home first leg, but Allegri trusts his side's chances of getting a good result from their trip to Turin.

"We will try to overturn the deficit to reach the final while being aware that this will be a tough match," he told reporters at a press conference.

"We are doing well and we know we can turn the tie around. The Coppa Italia is a goal for us and we want to reach the final."

"I am convinced that we will play a good game, even though we are missing some players."

Allegri confirmed that Philippe Mexes is back after suspension and Clarence Seedorf has fully recovered from injury, although Robinho and Mark van Bommel have both been deemed unfit for Tuesday's contest.

Kevin-Prince Boateng remains doubtful for the match and his availability will depend on a late assessment on his fitness.

Alexandre Pato remains short of match sharpness, and Allegri conceded he is in the dark about the Brazilian striker's recovery time.

"He is training, but right now I do not know when he will be available again," the 44-year-old coach said.

"He will surely play again before the end of the season."

The Italian coach had some words of praise for Juventus, who head into Tuesday's contest on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Fiorentina.

"Antonio Conte's side play very well. Against Fiorentina, they showed they are in good physical shape," he said.

"Tomorrow will be tough. Both teams are good."

Milan last won the Coppa Italia in 2003 when they defeated Roma 6-3 on aggregate in the two-legged final.

Juventus coach Antontio Conte is also confident ahead of the tie.

Juve are unbeaten so far in Serie A, and although they trail Milan by four points in the league, Conte is proud of how his players have performed this season.

"My players are doing something extraordinary," Conte said.

"They have had a great season and have had a great performance both in the championship and in the Coppa Italia."

"We want to keep on following our path, there are no doubts on this. And the same surely applies to Milan as well."

"In any case I'm only focused on my players and I want them to have one objective: to do their best to achieve the best. If Milan manage to make a better performance tomorrow, we should congratulate them."