Allegri makes Estupinan confession: ‘Expected more from his experience’

Max Allegri at first tried to defend Pervis Estupinan after a costly error in the 2-2 draw with Parma, but eventually confessed he ‘expected more’ from the AC Milan signing.

It was a chaotic match at the Stadio Tardini, as the Rossoneri dominated the first half and surged into a 2-0 lead thanks to Alexis Saelemaekers and the Rafael Leao penalty.

However, a moment of magic from Adrian Bernabé curled into the far top corner in stoppages changed the game, inspiring the Parma comeback that was completed by an Enrico Delprato glancing header.

That Bernabé goal was set up by Sascha Britschgi, who robbed Estupinan at the touchline to provide the assist and transform the match.

Allegri was pressed on the mistake by Sky Sport Italia and DAZN Italia, but once he got to the press conference and was asked again, he finally acknowledged his disappointment.

“Estupinan was coming back from injury and seemed to be fully fit. I did expect more from him in terms of experience and dealing with those situations,” said the coach.

“He was naïve on the goal, but then he did manage to make a decisive block to prevent another goal when it was 2-1.”

The former Brighton and Hove Albion wing-back had not featured since September 28 due to injury.

Overall, the 27-year-old has struggled to live up to his price-tag, having been purchased from Brighton for €17m plus a further €2m in add-ons.

The ex-Villarreal, Watford, Osasuna and Mallorca player is 27 years old and has 50 senior caps for Ecuador.

So far this season Estupinan has made seven appearances in the Milan jersey between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, contributing one assist.