Italian tactician also talks up competitiveness of Serie A.
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed his belief that Juventus are favourites for the Scudetto again this season.
The Rossoneri have continued their strategy of investing in youth this summer, with the arrivals of the likes of Riccardo Saponara, Andrea Poli and Jherson Vergara.
However, rivals Juventus have strengthened significantly in the meantime as they go in search of a third consecutive league title as well as becoming more competitive in Europe.
Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Angelo Ogbonna are the three marquee signings of the transfer window, improving what is already a formidable squad.
Nevertheless, Allegri believes his side can compete with the Turin giants, although it will a tough season given the improvement other clubs have enjoyed during the summer.
“Juve will be the favourites,” he told reporters as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. “They’ve brought in some important players from Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente to Angelo Ogbonna.
“Milan know it will be harder than last season. Apart from Juve, there are six other sides who will be fighting for a place in the Champions League…”
Milan’s activity in the summer transfer window has been somewhat stunted by their inability to offload their fringe players.
Robinho had been linked with a return to Santos, but negotiations were called off after the Brazilian outfit were unable to agree on personal terms with the player.
As a result, Milan’s pursuit of new players revolves solely around CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda, although it remains to be seen whether the Japanese international joins the club now or as a free agent in January.
Allegri also insisted that he never lost faith in Stephan El Shaarawy, who was subject to intense speculation last month over an exit from San Siro.
However, following talks with the club it was decided that he would stay, and the Milan coach is looking forward to helping him return to his early-season form from last year.
“He had an important first half of the season, extraordinary actually. There is no tactical problem with El Shaarawy, his dip in form was normal. The boy has always been a reference point for me,” he concluded.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has made the objectives for the season clear for Allegri, with the Italian tactician aiming for a minimum of a top-three Serie A finish, reaching the knock-out stages of the Champions League as well as success in the Coppa Italia.
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