Cassano was down in the dumps after his much-publicised spat with Sampdoria's club president Riccardo Garrone led to his exclusion from the Genoa-based team.

But the Italy international has found new life since his transfer to Milan and is beginning to justify the Rossoneri's decision to sign him at the start of the month.

Today Cassano came on as a substitute midway through the second half and created his team's final two goals as they hit back from a 3-1 deficit to share the points in an eight-goal thriller.

"Simplicity is the best thing in football and again today, Cassano has given two important assists," said Milan coach Allegri.

"Right now he can only play a limited time because he is lacking fitness but once his condition improves, he will earn a starting place."

The result, courtesy of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's last-gasp equaliser, allowed Milan to increase their lead at the top of Serie A to six points after second-placed Lazio lost 2-1 to Lecce at the Stadio Olimpico.

"We knew that Udinese would make life difficult for us and this was the case," Allegri said.

"We could have won but in the end, a draw was a fair result."

With Udinese leading 3-1 12 minutes from the end, an own goal by the Friuli club's Medhi Benatia gave Milan a lifeline.

"We did well to believe until the end that we could come back but we were also fortunate," Allegri said.

"I am pleased with how my team reacted and to have taken a point against a good Udinese."

Milan visit Lecce next Sunday.