Criscito wary of 'improving' Milan

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

AC Milan endured a frustrating summer in the transfer window which saw them weakened by the departures of two of their biggest stars in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva leave the San Siro for Paris Saint-Germain.

The two sales translated to the Rossoneri make an unconvincing start to the season, with Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri coming under intense scrutiny following three losses in five Serie A games.

Allegri's men latest outing in the Serie A was a battling 1-1 draw against Parma and although Milan failed to pick up all three points in that game, Criscito believes that the Rossoneri are making improvements and are slowly hitting their stride.

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Criscito claimed: "Milan are much improved in recent times.

"We must take advantage of the few opportunities that Milan will give us. 

"They have gone through a bad time recently, but they will make it difficult."

However, the 25-year-old does not rule out his star-studded side from beating last season's Serie A runners-up, although he has urged his team to remain focused throughout the game.

"We are playing well, and we hope to win the game," Criscito added.

"Milan though, have many good players and we will have to remain alert and focused."

Criscito, who has lined up against Milan before when he was a Genoa player, also revealed that he does not believe in the current speculation linking Zenit manager Luciano Spalletti with a move to San Siro to replace the increasingly beleaguered Allegri.

"I don't think [he will succeed Allegri]," the Italian international declared.

"I know that the Coach is very happy in St. Petersburg, and has only just signed a three-year contract."

Zenit made an inauspicious start to their Champions League campaign when they slumped to a defeat to Malaga which leaves them bottom of the table in Group C after Milan could only struggle to a goalless draw against Belgian outfit Anderlecht.