Allegri admits Milan were lucky

26 November 2012 01:24

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri admitted his side were fortunate to be awarded a decisive penalty during their 1-0 win over Juventus.

Robinho scored the only goal of the game from the spot after Mauricio Isla was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, although replays showed the ball clearly struck his ribs.

Allegri conceded the decision was an incorrect call from the officials, but was quick to praise his side for their committed and organised display as they consigned Juve to their first away defeat in 18 months.

"From the touchline it really did seem like a spot kick, but watching the replays it should not have been given," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"This game was a real battle by the players. We only allowed Juventus one shot on target, while there were four or five great scoring opportunities for us.

"I think the team did its absolute best against a Juve side that is doing great things. It's wonderful that we managed to avoid basically giving Juventus any chances at all.

"We defended in a very organised manner and the lads deserve so much credit for this. We worked well as a unit, which is a positive sign.

"Stephan El Shaarawy didn't score, but he has great qualities and really takes it up a notch when playing wide."

Juventus coach Angelo Alessio slammed the penalty decision and suggested the Turin outfit would have suffered severe criticism had the roles been reversed.

Alessio said the decision was an unfortunate incident to befall his side, but accepted that the defending champions did not reach their top level as they suffered their first away defeat in 18 months.

"The way we set up gets the best out of all the players, but if we don’t display the right intensity and usual competitive edge then it becomes difficult," he said.

"We've been involved in the game for a long time and are perfectly aware that there are incidents that go both for and against you in every game.

"I don't know what would have happened if we had won here with a penalty like that. In any case we'll keep soldiering on, knowing that we must play in a different way to win."