Milan, Jan 5 (IANS): AC Milan football coach Massimiliano Allegri asked his side to treat their game against Atalanta as a "a relegation dogfight" in the Italian Serie A.

The Milan side will entertain Atalanta at home Monday, and Allegri reminded his players of the dangers they are facing, reports Xinhua.

"Atalanta are very organised and doing well this season. It's an important game and we mustn't forget we have only 19 points. We need to look over our shoulders, as this is a relegation dogfight," he said Sunday.

"We've got to start 2014 off the right way, because our table is unimpressive and we need to learn from our mistakes. We cannot afford another slip-up."

He pointed out that the Milan side need to fight for survival both in Serie A as well as in the Champions League.

"Tomorrow we must do everything possible to win, as the next few months have got to be different from the last few. We must have the humility to acknowledge we're closer to the relegation zone than the European places," he said.

Milan, with 19 points, are only one clear of Atalanta and five ahead of the relegation zone.