AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri admits they need a big second-half of the season to reach their targets.

The Diavolo have had a problematic campaign to date as they initially struggled following the mass exodus of talent in the summer.

"We have to have an excellent second half of the season, that is our objective," Allegri said. "We need to get some consistency to our results, even if that is not easy.

"We have improved since the start of the season. Now we are getting closer to the Champions League and the derby, and we have to get as many points as possible in order to stay in contact with the top of the table."