Massimiliano Allegri says that he understands his fan’s frustrations, but has urged for calm after watching his Milan side fall to a disappointing 2-0 defeat away against Sassuolo on Sunday afternoon.
The Rossoneri conceded within the first few minutes of both halves; Domenico Berardi finding the net after five minutes and Armand Lauriente after 47, which means that they have now won just one of their last five matches in Serie A. Now, the Rossoneri could potentially slip down to fourth place by the end of Sunday evening.
Allegri responds after Sassuolo 2-0 Milan: ‘We approached both halves badly’
“We approached both halves badly, especially the second. We threw it away, that’s how it’s going in this period. You can’t waste 10 months of work. Now we have to think about Atalanta,” said Allegri in a post-match interview with DAZN (via TMW).
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Massimiliano Allegri,Head Coach of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“Technically, we made a lot of mistakes. It was a bad day, a bad Sunday. We have to meet again on Tuesday and work to fix it.”
Despite the fact that Milan have not yet secured a Champions League spot for next season, Allegri has no doubt that the Rossoneri will finish the 2025-26 season in the all-important top four.
“It’s not at risk. I would be very happy to confirm it on the final day as well, I’ve always said it. I am with the team every day and this is a difficult moment. We have to stay calm and take responsibility, we have to prepare as best we can for the game against Atalanta.
“We’ve done 10 months of good work, we’re in the final stretch. We haven’t done very well in the second half of the season, we can’t change that anymore. We just have to look ahead.
“Until the end, we have to stay grounded and work to overcome these moments of difficulty. I understand the fans, we all wanted to get over the finish line quickly, but we can’t get anxious.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Fabio Maresca, referee of the match shows a red card to Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Allegri does not deny the fact that the sending off of Fikayo Tomori after 24 minutes had a big impact on proceedings, but didn’t appear too critical of his centre-back, despite his two early yellow cards.
“The sending off conditioned the game. These things happen. The important thing is to get back up quickly. We need two positive results to get into the Champions League, let’s just think about that.”
Allegri was also asked why he decided to take off Christopher Nkunku for Zachary Athekame at the half-time interval.
“I wanted to take the game forward as much as possible and give some balance, but it didn’t help because we immediately conceded.”
It was an afternoon to forget for Milan, who fell to a 2-0 defeat away against Sassuolo in Serie A on Sunday, and were then loudly booed by their travelling supporters in an awkward moment after the full-time whistle.
What happened after full-time of Sassuolo 2-0 Milan?
An early strike from Domenico Berardi was followed by a goal from Armand Lauriente to send Sassuolo 2-0 up against Milan, who had been playing with 10 men since the 24th minute after Fikayo Tomori was sent off for two yellow card offences.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Armand Laurienté of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
It has been a disappointing end to the 2025-26 season for Milan, who have only picked up four points from their last five matches, falling to defeats against Sassuolo, Udinese and Napoli over that period.
Now, the Rossoneri could end the weekend in fourth place if Juventus win against the already-relegated Hellas Verona later on Sunday evening.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan reacts after Fabio Maresca, referee of the match shows to hi a red card during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Milan supporters made their frustrations clear after the Sassuolo defeat. The Rossoneri players did not go and thank their supporters in front of the stand, instead staying in the centre circle while being loudly jeered from a distance.
Sky Sport Italia reports that captain Mike Maignan began to lead his players over to the stand to applaud their supporters, but then began to head towards the dressing rooms upon hearing the boos, which only made the reception worse.
Milan will have an opportunity to respond next Sunday when they host Atalanta in San Siro. Then come tests against Genoa and Cagliari to close the 2025-26 campaign.
Gian Piero Gasperini has provided a positive update on the fitness of key players Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone and says that if Roma are still in the fight for a Champions League spot, it is entirely down to the work that the players have put in: ‘The squad has been special, I thank them’.
Gasperini sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Sunday ahead of Monday evening’s clash against a Fiorentina side that are unbeaten across their last seven Serie A matches.
Roma find themselves in sixth place ahead of kick-off. They will have an opportunity to move clear of Como, who are one point better off than the Giallorossi having played one game more than them. The big target, however, is Juventus in fourth place, who have three points more than Roma having played the same number of matches.
Gasperini on Roma pride, visit from the owners, Dybala, Kone and Wesley
Heading into the final four matches of the 2025-26 season, Gasperini has confirmed that both Dybala and Kone are back and available for selection again.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Manu Kone with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Kone has recovered, Dybala had already recovered. This week has gone better. They’re available,” Gasperini said (via TMW).
Gasperini is also expected to meet with Roma’s owners in the near future: “The presence of the ownership is a signal,” he said. “Maybe they will start making moves not just for the end of the season, but also in view of the future.”
Gasperini was asked if he considers this season to have been a ‘transitional’ year for the Giallorossi.
He replied: “There are two tracks: The current season, which is still alive and tomorrow we’ll play against a Fiorentina side that is coming in off the back of a lot of positive results. We’re fully focused on that since we’re still in the race. The team’s behaviour has been excellent, we will try to kick on in these four games.
“Then, we will start talking about the future, however, right now is not the time. Afterwards, I will try to be clear because the fans need to understand what we’re doing.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
With Claudio Ranieri having recently left the club and with the future of sporting director Ricky Massara looking uncertain, Gasperini was asked if there are any concerns that Roma could fall behind their Serie A rivals in terms of planning for next season and the upcoming transfer window.
“Of course, there has already been a bit of development. We have recalibrated after suffering a big, unexpected disappointment. However, I don’t think that the other teams have already started planning. The ownership will have plenty of time and clarity to deal with these things, but when they do, they will do it in the best possible way.”
Gasperini avoided answering questions about his relationship with Massara, though: “I’m going back to Fiorentina, that’s very important. As for the rest, we’ll talk about it when the time comes. The club will speak. There is no need to go into detail now.”
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Frederic Massara, Sporting Director of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
The Roma boss hopes to take inspiration from the club’s women’s team, who have recently claimed the Scudetto for the third time in four years.
“The women’s Scudetto was fantastic, we want to imitate them, even if the Scudetto is a little too far ahead for us,” Gasperini laughed.
Gasp was also asked for his opinion on the recent 5-4 thriller between PSG and Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.
“I enjoyed it, I liked it a lot. There were some mistakes, but there were also some wonderful technical moments. The game was enjoyable for everyone.
“This is not the best moment for the Italians in the cups, but we need to react and not give up. Maybe we’re not doing the right things. We find it difficult against them all. Maybe it’s about how teams are built here. Replicating that style of football is difficult, it depends on the quality of the players.”
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar competes for the ball with Finn Jeltsch of VfB Stuttgart during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gasp was then asked for his assessment of his team’s performance so far in 2025-26.
He said: “The squad has been a bit special this year, it’s not easy. We’re still in the race and I give the credit to the team. Extraordinary professionalism and togetherness. The response in Bologna was fantastic.”
It was then pointed out to Gasperini that his side tends to underperform in the final stages of matches, especially compared to their direct rivals in the league.
“Probably, however, we’re ahead in other numbers. We’re fifth in the standings. It’s true, we don’t often manage to get points in the final moments, which many other teams do obtain. However, we will work to improve on that.”
The Roma gaffer was also asked if he has any plans to swap Wesley back to the right flank at any stage, having featured on the left for the majority of the 2025-26 campaign.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“He’s a player who’s gone through an important evolution. He can play both on the right and on the left, although he is of course a right-footer. When you have strong players, you can put them on the pitch and then find their most suitable position.
“It also depends on the situation. In this period, we’ve had Celik available, but we’ve practically never had Angelino and that was a big loss. Wesley is a valuable player and that’s the main thing.”
Is Gasperini ‘satisfied’ with his squad’s results so far this campaign?
“Everyone has room for improvement. You acquire value at all ages. I’m satisfied. Everyone has played, everyone has given their contribution. There’s not been a problem of behaviour, ever. I thank them. If we’re still in it, it’s thanks to them.”
Life became more difficult for Milan in their Serie A match away against Sassuolo after the 24th-minute red card shown to centre-back Fikayo Tomori. Here is how the England international managed to get himself sent off midway through the first half at the Mapei Stadium.
Tomori sees red after 24 minutes of Sassuolo vs. Milan
With his side trailing 1-0 after Domenico Berardi’s early opener for Sassuolo, Tomori was sent off for two separate yellow card offences on Sunday afternoon.
The first booking came in the ninth minute for a trip on Kristian Thorstvedt just inside the Sassuolo half, which led referee Fabio Maresca to immediately reach for his yellow card.
Tomori’s afternoon was over a quarter of an hour later after tripping up Armand Lauriente right on the halfway line in a very similar position to his first booking 15 minutes earlier.
There were few complaints from the Milan camp after the decision to send off Tomori, who took himself straight down the tunnel in the 24th minute.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Despite being a centre-back down, Allegri decided against making any personnel changes before the end of the first half.
The upcoming Serie A match between Sassuolo and Milan on Sunday afternoon will be available to watch live on TikTok in the UK and Ireland, the first time that an Italian league match has been broadcast on the social media platform.
Sassuolo vs. Milan available to watch on DAZN, TikTok and YouTube
DECEMBER 14: Davide Bartesaghi celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match against US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 14, 2025 in San Siro, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Broadcaster DAZN have partnered with the social media platform TikTok to livestream a Serie A match in the UK and Ireland for the first time.
The idea is for the game to introduce Serie A football to new audiences through TikTok’s discovery and community features, with the aim of turning casual viewers into regular fans of Italian football.
The Sassuolo vs. Milan match will still be available to watch on DAZN’s regular platform, as well as through the @DAZNFootball account on TikTok, and on DAZN’s YouTube channel.
Bologna were held to an underwhelming 0-0 draw at home against Cagliari in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, the third consecutive Italian top-flight match to end goalless.
Bologna came into Sunday’s clash ranked ninth in Serie A, while the 16th-placed Cagliari came in needing a victory to ensure mathematical safety with three games to spare. Vincenzo Italiano’s side were without goalkeeper Lukasz Skorpuski, Joao Mario, Nicolo Cambiaghi and Thijs Dallinga, and Cagliari travelled without Riyad Idrissi, Luca Mazzitelli, Mattia Felici, Leonardo Pavoletti and Gennaro Borrelli.
Fans during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 03, 2026. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Federico Bernardeschi registered the game’s first shot on target after 25 minutes, coming in off the right flank and attempting to bend his left-footed shot into the far corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area. Nothing that Elia Caprile couldn’t handle, though.
Teenage goalkeeper Massimo Pessina was called into action in the 45th minute, improvising well to deny Sebastiano Esposito at his near post.
MAY 03: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Benja Dominguez thought he had a shout for a penalty immediately afterwards after feeling a hand on the back from Yerry Mina down at the other end, but this was waved away with no further reviews.
Caprile had to get down low and get a strong hand out to deny Nikola Moro’s dipping shot from the edge of the penalty area 10 minutes after the re-start.
Substitute Santiago Castro struck the ball well from a tight angle 66 minutes in, but Caprile was again well positioned at his near post and got his full body behind the shot.
Ze Pedro had a glorious opportunity to send Cagliari 1-0 up 10 minutes from time: Michael Folorunsho had done well to send a cross back into a busy Bologna penalty area, which fell kindly for Ze Pedro, who managed to blast his first-time finish over the crossbar from the edge of the six-yard box.
After 0-0 draws between Como and Napoli and between Atalanta and Genoa on Saturday evening, this was the third consecutive Serie A match to end goalless. Bologna are now four games without a win across all competitions, while Cagliari are not quite safe from relegation just yet.
MAY 03: Fabio Pisacane head coach of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The FIGC has confirmed that there will be a minute’s silence before every Serie A match in the 35th round of fixtures in tribute to the late Alex Zanardi, who has died at the age of 59.
Serie A will remember Zanardi before every Week 35 match
“It is with deep sorrow that the family communicates the death of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, May 1st,” read a statement from his family on Saturday morning.
“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones. The family sincerely thanks all those who are showing closeness in these hours and asks for respect for their pain and privacy in this moment of mourning”.
Zanardi was an icon of Italian paralympic sport. A former motor sports driver who competed in Formula One between 1991 and 1994 and again in 1999, he had both legs amputated after a serious crash during a CART event in 2001.
Zanardi miraculously recovered and continued racing in specially-adapted cars across various different race formats, before turning his focus to hand cycling.
CERVIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Alex Zanardi of Italy heads for the finish line on IRONMAN 70.3 Emilia Romagna on September 22, 2019 in Cervia, Italy. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
He would go on to win four gold medals and two silvers between the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro.
He was sadly involved in another major accident in 2020 while competing in the Obiettivo tricolore, the Italian national road race for paralympic athletes. This accident left him hospitalised for 18 months and with life-altering injuries.
Zanardi died on Friday, May 1, at the age of 59.
Many Serie A clubs and coaches have paid their respects to the late Zanardi on social media and in their pre-match press conferences on Saturday.
Massimiliano Allegri insists that he is not concerned by Christian Pulisic’s lack of goals in 2026, has confirmed the players that are in line to replace the injured Luka Modric, but avoided commenting on the topic of a potential sale of Rafael Leao this summer.
The Rossoneri tactician sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of his side’s upcoming test against Sassuolo on Saturday.
Allegri previews Sassuolo vs. Milan
Allegri began his press conference with a word of remembrance for former Formula One driver-turned Paralympian Alex Zanardi, who has died at the age of 59: “It’s right to remember Zanardi, an example in life, an example of human and sporting values. He put professionalism and passion into sport. My condolences to his family. He has amazing values.”
The topic of discussion soon reverted to the task at hand in Serie A. One of the biggest conundrums facing Allegri is how to place Luka Modric, who will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his cheekbone against Juventus last weekend.
“We’re very sorry about this bad injury, which will keep him out until the end of the season, even if he has a big desire to come back,” Allegri commented.
“He shows so much passion for the work he does and I hope this has been a lesson for the other players. We have great players to replace him, either Jashari or Ricci, who have grown a lot and in whom I have a lot of confidence.
“Jashari has grown a lot. Unfortunately he had a bad injury at the beginning of the season which kept him out for a long time. He has desire, he’s curious, he has his whole future ahead of him and I think Milan made an excellent signing.”
Allegri confirmed that he has recently sat down with Milan’s senior management, but insisted: “It’s normal. Evaluations aren’t just made about the future, but also on how the season has gone so far, even if the final evaluation will be made at the end of the season.
“We’ve created a base, but we need to get into the Champions League.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Allegri was also asked for his opinion on the continuing refereeing scandal in Serie A: “I haven’t made up my mind, these are delicate subjects. The relevant bodies will evaluate. After everything that’s happened, the last round was a positive for the referees. They did a good job and psychologically it wasn’t easy.”
All season, Allegri has insisted that returning to the Champions League is Milan’s only focus. They are closing in on qualification, and with Inter set to win the Scudetto, potentially by the end of the weekend, is a second-place finish now the target for the Rossoneri?
“We have to do our best,” said Allegri. “We have a difficult game tomorrow because Sassuolo have good technical ability and can score goals at any time. They have good players and a good coach.
“Grosso is the revelation of this Serie A season because he’s grown a lot. Despite the difficulties of the early stages of his career, he’s made big steps forwards. Tomorrow is the first of the last four, we have to face it with calmness because we can’t let the goal slip away.”
Allegri was also asked if there is any possibility that Rafael Leao leaves the club during the summer transfer window.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He replied: “Talking about the market now makes no sense. One step at a time. We want to return to playing in the Champions League and the whole group has to be focused on that. Then, at the end of the season, we will all make evaluations to see if we can improve the work we’ve done this year.”
Allegri also commented on summer signing Christopher Nkunku: “He has great technical qualities. He’s had difficulties, but he’s scored goals. Maybe from tomorrow the strikers will start scoring again. We don’t discuss the (financial) value of the player. There are different factors that can make him do well one year and not in another.”
Santiago Gimenez has recently returned from injury but has found it difficult to break into the side since then.
“He’s a player who arrived last year, then had the immediate ankle problem. He’s an important player. Unfortunately the injury has kept him out for four or five months this year, and returning at the end of the season isn’t easy, especially for the tempo. He’s committed, he’s a valuable player despite this bad year.”
Christian Pulisic has not struggled for opportunities, but remains without a goal in 2026.
“Pulisic is an important player for Milan and it’s difficult to find players as good as him,” Allegri insisted. “You don’t have to look at whether or not the players do well or don’t do well in a certain year, there are some values that don’t change.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts after seeing his team concede a third goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“He’s been missing that goal in recent games, but he’s been active. Right now, you have to put personal goals to one side and work for the team because our final target is too important. Those who play, those who come on, have to have an excellent attitude because that’s how we get the result, as well as doing well in defence and attack.”
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