Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 10y

AC Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi ignoring Masimilliano Allegri predictions

Filippo Inzaghi says he is taking Massimiliano Allegri's prediction of a successful season for AC Milan with a pinch of salt.

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Allegri, who coached Milan for four years and is now in charge of defending champions Juventus, claimed his former side will be more competitive in Serie A this season and suggested a top-three finish is possible. 

But Inzaghi insists he is not paying any attention. 

"First people were saying we're going to struggle to finish tenth, and now they're saying we'll finish third, but these kinds of comments don't interest me," he told reporters in Nyon.

"I just take things game by game and I hope to lead Milan back to the top. It would be nice to return here one day with Milan back at the summit where they belong because I love this club and will do all I can to succeed."

"We all know what happened last season and so we mustn't get carried away. It's true we've made a good start and the spirits are high, and the fans are behind us again, but we have to take things game by game."

With Fernando Torres arriving late in the transfer window, the club's worrying preseason form and results have long been forgotten. The Spaniard has brought a fresh wave of optimism with him and Inzaghi was full of praise for the on-loan Chelsea forward.

"We've got to thank the club for the big names we signed in the transfer market," said Inzaghi, 41. "With Torres, [Marco] Van Ginkel and [Giacomo] Bonaventura, we made some great signings and they are all joining a squad who want to do well. I know this will be a Milan with a great hunger to succeed.

"Torres has had a difficult year but we have high hopes of him. He's physically in top condition and he's a great professional. He signed autographs for two-and-a-half hours following his presentation and this is something I like because we live for our fans and this is an example; it's what I like to see."

"We've got seven forwards now and it's up to me to alternate them. I'm spoilt for choice right now."

Inzaghi also feels spoilt to have learnt from one of the best, and humbled to have been able to sit around a table with him at UEFA's Elite Club Coaches Forum in Nyon.

"Carlo Ancelotti is a role model for me," Inzaghi said. "He was given an award for his three Champions League wins and he deserves it because he's a great man and a fine example. I was lucky to be coached by him for many years and the example he set is in my heart and I try to carry it with me."

A 3-1 win over Lazio on the opening day of the season has also raised belief and expectations ahead of the Rossoneri's visit to Parma next weekend, before a homecoming for Allegri when Juventus travel to Milan on Sep. 20.

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