Youssouf Fofana has added further authority to AC Milan’s title dreams. The French midfielder spoke to Sky during his visit to Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital.

“As AC Milan players, we have to think about the Scudetto every year; it’s normal.” He began, before turning attention to the manager. “Allegri? He doesn’t need to instil in us the desire to win the Scudetto; we play for AC Milan, it’s normal to think about the Scudetto. Now the (Curva Sud) fans are back, and I feel 100% AC Milan.”

Massimiliano Allegri and the team have done well to cement themselves among the title candidates along with Napoli and Inter in the league’s opening two months.

“We’re working hard for this. We have to fight to win every game, then we’ll settle the score. We know that, with a game a week, we have to give 100% of our energy. I’m not saying that if we don’t win the Scudetto, the season would be a disaster, but if we were to win it, it would be a great joy after last year. Last year, there was joy, but this year, even more, more desire to achieve.”

Fofana is among the core of players most affected by the underwhelming season under Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceiçao. The 26-year-old has yet to win a lot in his career, but is used to playing at a high level with France. His aspirations are higher than Milan’s previous eighth-place finish.

A bonus for the Parisian is that Allegri has little doubt about him as a starter. He covers a lot of ground, has great focus and also presents as a solid option without the ball. Allegri also believes he integrates better with Luka Modric and countryman Adrien Rabiot. An injury-free Fofana should be headed toward a season with at least 30 starts.