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Alessandro Nesta has previewed the big game between Juventus and AC Milan, claiming that there is a ‘prejudice’ against Massimiliano Allegri.
Milan have certainly had a positive start to 2025-26 with four wins in five games, and they are currently at the top of the table. Juventus are just one point behind despite drawing their last two, so it sets things up very nicely for tonight’s clash.
All of the reports are suggesting that Allegri will make just one change compared to the Napoli win one week ago. With Pervis Estupinan suspended he will have to be replaced, and Davide Bartesaghi should be the one to get the nod in what will be his first league start of the season.
Nesta gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Juventus-Milan and he spoke about the match in detail as well as giving his thoughts on both teams. MilanPress relayed his comments.
Did you expect Milan to start so strongly?
“The truth? Yes, I expected this start to the season for Milan. Even the initial defeat: in Serie A, unpredictable things can happen until matchday eight. But then I also expected the Milan of today: Tare arrived, a great sporting director who knows a lot about football, as well as being a great person. He’s a plus for the club.
“And then the return of Allegri, who gives his best in these situations. He’s smart, he knows how to set things right, put players in the right positions, identify and enhance each player’s characteristics, restore order where there was chaos. And let’s not forget another key aspect: the team is strong.”
Are you seeing signs of the great Milan sides?
“No, no, calm down. My group and this one are very different. That was a different Serie A, a different economic powerhouse. Few could afford the champions who were in my Milan.”
Has Luka Modric impressed you?
“Seeing him on the pitch is a beauty, he thrilled me. Not since the days of Pirlo has there been someone like him at San Siro . With him, Milan is certainly stronger. The team has lost Theo, but in many other positions they are more competitive.
“With two or three more players, it becomes even more interesting: I hope this is a starting point. Which ones? A defender, a striker, even though I understand it’s difficult to get good ones, and on the wings.
“About Luka, I’ll add that I didn’t think he’d run so much; with Napoli he’d come in and out, mess up the passing lanes and then get back into position. He has an intelligence that few have, he has football in his head, that’s where he’s different. As long as he has the ball, he can play until he’s 70.”
And Rabiot?
“He’s another special player because he plays both roles: he covers a lot of ground, plays the ball, attacks, and has remarkable motor. With Fofana, they form a complete package, a midfield that has everything: pace, strength, and intelligence.”
The defence also looks more solid…
“Things were done well, it’s a logically constructed unit. Of the three, Gabbia is the one who reads situations best; he’s smart and thinks things through. On the flanks, he has two ‘animals’ in Pavlovic and Tomori who are powerful and can also attack up front.
“Furthermore, it’s obvious that the coach’s work has helped them, as has the support of the midfielders. Last year, too many balls ended up directly at the opposition’s forwards.”
Then there are Estupinan and Saelemaekers at wing-back…
“I liked Estupinan, I followed him often after studying De Zerbi’s Brighton: he needs specific tasks and if he gets them, he does what’s asked of him. Saelemaekers needs to grow individually.”
What about the forwards?
“I’m in love with Leao, I’d always like to have him in my team. He’s a difference-maker, Allegri needs to find a way to make him consistent. It’s true that with talented players, performance and consistency almost never go hand in hand. If you do special things, you can’t do them forever.
“Rafa can improve his attitude. Nkunku is also a good player. And who in Italy has a player like Pulisic? He’s very strong, impressive: he can play wide, behind the striker, or in the box. He offers a lot of options and provides goals, assists, and runs. You can’t ask for more.
“Gimenez? I think he’s better than what we’ve seen so far; he arrived at a difficult time. But if he wants to carve out space for himself, he needs to score more.”
Is Allegri the right man?
“But there’s a prejudice about Max: coaching Juve or Milan is totally different. Juve is historically a tough team and difficult to face, but in our Milan Allegri played with Robinho, Cassano, Seedorf, Pirlo, Ibra…
“The players and clubs you coach make the difference: Juve has never been beautiful but winning. At Milan, if you didn’t play well, you didn’t last long with Berlusconi…
“The team is equipped to do anything, but I would advise not to raise expectations too high. I don’t see them ready to carry the weight of having to win the Scudetto, but it’s not that they can’t do it.”
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