1 week ago
50
Demetrio Albertini has given his thoughts on current affairs at AC Milan, including the signing of Samuele Ricci and the pursuit of a new striker.
Albertini knows what it takes to win at Milan having been part of some of the iconic sides in the 1990s. With the Rossoneri he lifted five Scudetti and two UEFA Champions League titles among other major honours.
He was born not far from Monza and was a product of the Milan academy system. He went on to spend 14 highly successful years with the Diavolo after making his debut as a 17-year-old during the 1988–89 season under Arrigo Sacchi.
Now, the Italian works as the sporting director of Parma and as the vice-president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). He had been linked with a return to Milan in some capacity earlier this summer, before denying the possibility publicly.
Albertini shares thoughts on Milan
Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former midfielder gave his opinions on where Milan are at right now on July 10, ahead of a season in which they must bounce back.
Ricci was presented by Milan yesterday. What’s your opinion on the signing?
“For me, it’s a wonderful idea that reminds me of the investment made a few years ago in Tonali. Seeking out Italians to include in the squad is important to achieve certain results because that’s how you create a sense of belonging within the group. And besides, we needed a player with Ricci’s characteristics.”
What is his potential at Milan?
“I’m truly happy because he’s a young man with great potential, and I hope that Milan isn’t just a destination for him, but a starting point. An opportunity to truly take flight. A stage like this, fans like this, a legendary stadium, and a history like Milan’s are blessings that not everyone gets.”
Does Ricci remind you of the early Albertini?
“As for the opportunity he has, yes. When I arrived at Milan, I played a few metres further forward, but then I dropped back and did what he does now: the metronome. I perhaps played more long balls and through balls, but he’s very good at dictating the team’s tempo.”
Are yo ualso a fan of the Modric operation?
“How could I say no? He could do what I did when I went to Barcelona: bring experience to the dressing room, help the young talents there, and be ready at any moment to help the team win.
“Those who have already won instil the right mentality in others, and what he asked the directors – whether they would build a strong squad – shows he’s still hungry.”
But his passport says 39 years old…
“I don’t think that’s the problem. Paradoxically, I think it’s more difficult to get used to a different style of football than Spanish football. I have no doubt that he will be important for Milan.
“He’s had many successful dressing rooms, he knows how to manage key moments in matches, and he has flashes of pure class. With him, the performances of Fofana, Ricci, and the other midfielders will improve. He’s a former Ballon d’Or winner. A Milan-worthy player.”
The problem is that two full-backs, a midfielder, a central defender and a striker are still needed…
“There’s time. You don’t get a Ballon d’Or winner and a coach like Allegri if you don’t want to aim for the top. The signings will come.”
Let’s talk about Max. Would you have brought him back to Milan if you were a director?
“Of the coaches on the market, he was the most successful, the one with the most experience, and the one who knew both Serie A and AC Milan best.
“Previous coaches who returned to Milanello, namely two greats like Sacchi and Capello, weren’t very lucky, but Allegri has all the credentials to have a super season. I have great faith in him: I think he can achieve important results and aim for the top.”
That being the Scudetto?
“Milan must have big ambitions. They won’t be playing in European competition, and that’s an advantage I would have gladly done without. The important thing is that Milan has started working on the pitch with a significant advantage, especially over Inter and Juve.
“If Allegri, as I believe, is able to get his support, I think the season will be important. Then again, I repeat, there are almost two months left until the transfer window closes, and many things can change.”
Does having Tare as the sporting director comfort you in this regard?
“An important sporting director has arrived, one who has experience and who has brought in important talents at Lazio over the years.”
Are you expecting some signings at Milan too? For example, a top No.9…
“He’s a must-buy because having a striker who consistently scores goals makes the difference. I assume the Gimenez we’ve seen since February isn’t the ‘real’ one, especially since it’s difficult to fit into a new team in just a few days. That said, we need another strong centre-forward.”
Could it be Vlahovic?
“I don’t mind. I’d take the Vlahovic I saw at Fiorentina with my eyes closed. I repeat: with my eyes closed.”
At Juventus instead…
“After his experience at Juventus, I had a few more doubts, but I’m convinced that someone like Vlahovic, given the right conditions, would do well at Milan. Again, I don’t know what happened in Turin. His potential, however, is unquestionable, and it seems to me that he wants to change teams.”
So, he could be an opportunity?
“Centre-forwards cost a lot, and there aren’t many valuable ones available because those who have them either charge a lot for them or don’t sell them.”
In the meantime, Camarda went to Lecce to find playing time.
“I would have kept him and let him play. Abroad, big teams give talented young players the confidence they need: Barcelona is setting a precedent by using Iniesta, Xavi, Yamal, and many others.
“We, on the other hand, prefer to send them to smaller teams. I ask myself: wouldn’t it have been better if he had played 15-20 games at Milan?”
English (US) ·