'This has to be our spirit' - Landucci, Pulisic target Milan 'consistency' after Udinese win

AC Milan must repeat the performance and spirit they showed against Udinese in "every game", according to assistant coach Marco Landucci.

The Rossoneri made it three straight wins in Serie A without conceding a goal – achieving the feat for the first time since February 2023 – as they prevailed 3-0 at Bluenergy Stadium.

Milan have won their first two away matches of an Italian top-flight season without conceding a goal for only the third time in their history, after the 1971-72 and 1989-90 campaigns.

With head coach Massimiliano Allegri serving a touchline ban following his red card during last weekend's victory over Bologna, Landucci took over in the dugout and post-match media duties.

And the assistant highlighted Milan's desire to improve defensively since Allegri returned to the club for his second spell.

"We need to play like we did today in every game," he said. "Not just the performance, because we were great, but also the spirit on show. 

"We've also won 3-0 against a team who were unbeaten. We knew it would be tough, we don't underestimate anyone. This has to be our spirit. It was deserved and praise goes to the boys. We're happy, but need to keep working.

"When we arrived, the group was eager to learn, and these are the results of that labour. They complain about nothing, they've been working so hard, and we created a solid group.

"We looked at the statistics, and in two years, Milan had conceded 49 and 43 goals, which is too many if you want to finish high up the table. We knew that was something we had to work on, which we did both as groups and individuals.

"These lads were eager to change and, as my coach says, we want to do as little damage as possible."

Pulisic played a starring role for Milan with two goals and an assist, making him the first player to have scored at least 25 goals and provided at least 15 assists over the last three seasons in Serie A (26 goals, 18 assists).

"It is not easy to come here and keep a clean sheet, but we are getting solid, we're moving well with five at the back, and it's going well," he added. 

"We have a great team. The important thing now is to be consistent, take it one game at a time, and have a great season."

Meanwhile, in the absence of Mike Maignan and Rafael Leao through injury, Matteo Gabbia wore the captain's armband for the first time, and it was a proud moment for the academy graduate.

"I am obviously very happy, it's a dream come true, and a victory makes it even more wonderful," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I hope not to wear it again for a while, because we need Mike and Rafa to return as soon as possible. They are our captains."