Pazzini: Allegri a big loss for AC Milan

The Italy international is disappointed that the Livorno native has paid for the club's dismal first half of the season with his job

AC Milan forward Giampaolo Pazzini says that while he is curious to see how Clarence Seedorf operates as a coach, the departure of Massimiliano Allegri is a "big loss for the whole squad".

Allegri was dismissed in the wake of the Rossoneri's shock 4-3 defeat at Sassuolo on Sunday and is to be replaced at the helm by a man with no previous coaching experience.

Consequently, Pazzini is intrigued to see how former team-mate takes to the management game.

"Seedorf has a lot of personality," the striker told the club's official website. "I can remember him as a player. He always looked for the ball and was a real champion. He’s won everything. 

"There’s a lot of curiosity to see him work but I still remember Allegri. His losing his job was a big loss for the whole team."

From a personal perspective, Pazzini is just looking forward to the rest of the season after netting a goal on his return from knee surgery against Spezia in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

"I’m happy with this match as my last time starting a game was eight months ago," he pointed out. "The goals build confidence for the future but as things stand we’re not in a great position [in Serie A].

"It’s difficult. We just had to win, that was the only thing that counted and we’ll get back to work [on Thursday]. We have to improve in many areas and everyone knows that. 

"We have to keep our heads down and pedal as we’re not doing things worthy of this club. We now have to win again on Sunday [against Verona] and get some continuity to our results.

"Our first half of the season went very badly. The players have to accept responsibility for that. Now we have no more excuses. The responsibility now lies on our shoulders."

Milan currently sit 11th in Serie A, 20 points behind Napoli, who occupy the final Champions League berth, in third.