Allegri hopes to have international players back in time for trip to Munich.
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has revealed his concerns over fitness levels as the Rossoneri begin preparations for the Audi Cup.
The Italian tactician saw his side win the opening game of the International Champions Cup on Saturday night, with a 2-1 win over Valencia at the Mestalla.
However, despite goals from Robinho and Nigel De Jong, the Italian giants were struggling to keep up with the intensity and pace of the game, and defended frantically for large periods in the second half.
With the Audi Cup fast approaching which will see Milan take on Manchester City on Wednesday evening, Allegri is keen to get his international players back out on the pitch.
“It was a very intense match,” he told SportMediaset as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I wanted to see if the team was in the right physical and psychological condition. We need to improve, as at the end we were struggling to stay on our feet, but for the moment I am satisfied.
“I hope to have Mario Balotelli and the other internationals in the squad for the Audi Cup next week.”
While Milan will now go on to face either Inter or Chelsea on August 4 in the next round of the International Champions Cup, Allegri believes that they coped well considering it was their first full pre-season game of the summer, and pinpointed the positives to take away from the game.
“It was important to have a strong performance, especially in defence. Some players need a little more time on the field, but we always play to win, as victories help you to work better.
“We’re on the right track, though we have to do better in the final third. I am glad Nigel De Jong got his goal, as he deserved it.”
De Jong’s goal was the highlight of the game after the Dutchman curled a wonderful effort into the top corner to double Milan’s lead, but there wasn’t such a happy ending to fellow goal-scorer Robinho’s night, as he went off with an injury.
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