Midfielder Antonio Nocerino has poured scorn on rumours that AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri could leave the club if they don't win the Serie A title.
Allegri has found his position questioned all of a sudden following the team's Champions League exit to Barcelona a week ago and a run of two league games without a win that saw them lose the scudetto leadership to Juventus.
It may seem absurd for a coach who won the title in his first season in charge of the rossoneri to be under pressure in his second as they fight for the title but that is how the press works in Italy.
But Allegri has many supporters in the dressing room.
"These are things said by the press but sincerely we feel the club's faith (in Allegri) as does the boss," said Nocerino.
"The only thing we need to do is concentrate on the pitch which is the most important thing."
Milan had been giving chase to Juve all season but a month ago they hauled them in and overtook them, going top for the first time this term.
Juve had been going through a tough spell with six draws in seven games, but four wins on the bounce since then turned the tables.
Milan's win at Chievo on Tuesday put the rossoneri back in front but Juve can reclaim that place with victory over Lazio later Wednesday.
It promises to be a battle royale right to the end of the season and Nocerino vows that his side will fight all the way.
"We won't be letting up even for a second and we'll be playing every game like it's a final," he told Sky.
"We need to put Juventus under pressure and we can only do that by showing the same desire and performance that we did yesterday (Tuesday)."
Source: AFP
