6 days ago
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Two of Roberto Donadoni’s former sides do battle on Tuesday night as Atalanta host AC Milan, and he has given his thoughts on both teams.
Atalanta was the beginning of the journey for Donadoni, and Milan the fulfilment of the dream. When the Goddess and the Diavolo meet, it’s always a trip down memory lane for the former playmaker, who has a strong connection to both clubs.
Tonight, the Nerazzurri host the Rossoneri hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, one that has seen them win two and draw six in a rather strange beginning under Ivan Juric. Massimiliano Allegri’s men meanwhile are looking to right the wrongs from their 2-2 draw with bottom-placed Pisa.
Donadoni spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport published on the day of the game between his two former sides.
What do both clubs mean to you?
“I have a natural connection to both clubs. Atalanta allowed me to become a professional, Milan gave me consistency at the highest level, and it was the team I supported as a child. It’s become a marquee match.”
Milan are no longer top after the disappointing draw against Pisa…
“A missed opportunity, no doubt. Milan had taken an early lead, but then they managed it poorly and were a bit surprised by Pisa, who instead gave it their all.”
Why did Milan disappoint?
“Well, Allegri is dealing with several injuries. The absences of Rabiot and Pulisic are particularly significant. But beyond that, on Friday I had the feeling that the team relaxed too much after the lead, not playing at their best.”
There is also talk of tiredness…
“I don’t think so. It’s true that absences have prevented rotation in recent weeks, but Milan don’t have the cups and in my opinion they can’t be tired in October. Rather, the performance was lacking.
“The Rossoneri eleven had a much higher level of quality than their opponents, but they didn’t make the difference count properly.”
Leao has scored three goals in two games…
“When you talk about Leao, you always risk exaggerating, one way or another. He was decisive against Fiorentina and Pisa with three goals, but the question remains: was he consistent throughout the matches? I mean, in helping the team with and without the ball?
“Well, for me, he can do much more. And when he does, then we can talk about a truly crucial player for Allegri and for Milan.”
Is scoring a problem for Gimenez?
“If we consider that Milan really wanted him and bought him as a striker, I’d say yes. Gimenez isn’t having a good run of goals, it seems obvious to me. He’s not lacking in commitment, but if you play in that shirt, it’s logical that people expect more from a centre-forward.”
What is convincing you about Allegri’s team?
“It’s definitely more of a team than last season. And I think Modric’s arrival, in addition to the coach, has been crucial to this. The Croatian is an example and inspires his teammates too.”
Modric is 40 years old. You retired at 37, and that was an anomaly even in your day…
“No, there were others like me too (laughs). If you’re lucky enough to have never had any serious injuries and have the ability to always be professional, nowadays you can play even at 40. Modric, who is a true champion, is proof of that.”
Atalanta are without Modric, but are still unbeaten in the league…
“But they draw too many. They’re scoring a little less than in the past, even though they’re still the fifth-best attack in Serie A, and Roma are leading the way with Napoli, having scored four fewer goals than the Nerazzurri.
“Let’s not forget that Juric has also had to do without several players due to various injuries at the start of this season.”
Who can be decisive in tonight’s game?
It’s easy to say Lookman for Atalanta or Leao for AC Milan, but I think Atalanta-Milan won’t be a match about individuals, but about teams. I expect a vibrant match, with chances and a desire to win on both sides. Or at least I hope so.
“We’ve often seen matches in Italy – especially at the top – where the focus was more on not losing than on taking home the three points. The recent Juventus-Milan match is a perfect example.”
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