Roberto Donadoni has given his thoughts on the current state that AC Milan are in, ahead of tonight’s big match against Napoli at the Maradona.
Donadoni joined Milan from Atalanta in 1986 and stayed for 10 years in his first spell, making over 250 appearances and winning virtually every major honour.
He spent a year in the United States before coming back to the Rossoneri, while he also embarked on a coaching career which saw him take the helm at Napoli.
Milan are some way off the levels that he remembers from the late 1980s into the 1990s, but they will be hoping to spring a surprise tonight against title-chasing Napoli.
Donadoni spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport published on the day of the game in Naples, and he offered his take on events at Milan while also previewing the match.
Tactically, what kind of match will Napoli-Milan be tonight?
“It’s difficult to ‘invent’ something since each team knows the characteristics of the other. I don’t know what choices the two coaches will make regarding the starting lineups, but at this moment it seems clear to me that Napoli has a more defined identity and playing philosophy.
“I think the Azzurri will want to play their aggressive game to take away time and space from Milan, also because when they are attacked the Rossoneri have often shown problems so far.
“I hope that it won’t be like that and that the pressure from Conte’s team will allow Conceiçao to exploit the spaces to counterattack.”
Can Lukaku be a factor like he was in the first meeting?
“In the economy of Napoli’s maneuver, the Belgian is a point of reference because his teammates rely on him and Lukaku is good at keeping the ball and then facilitating the runs of his teammates.
“Raspadori in particular is very good at exploiting the gaps that Romelu creates for him: since the former Sassuolo player has been playing as a starter, it seems to me that he is doing well and that he is a real danger for the opposing defences.”
McTominay knows how to score too…
“He has personality and physical strength. When he throws himself in he can create problems for anyone.”
Let’s move on to Milan and Conceiçao’s moves, including using Leao from the bench…
“Leao has great potential. When he feels involved and has space to express his speed, he becomes uncatchable. When he finds himself in front of him, Conte will try to put pressure on him or double up on him to… stop him from moving.
“He knows that if he receives the ball in space, Leao is difficult to stop; but if he gets possession with his back to the goal, he is less dangerous.”
Pulisic and Reijnders are considered irreplaceable despite their commitments with their respective national teams. Is that right?
“Yes, because they are fundamental to the team’s balance and because their goals and assists often determine the result. They are having an exceptional year: they are not two soloists, but they fit perfectly into Milan’s mechanisms given that they both work a lot in the non-possession phase.”
Gimenez started well, but now he hasn’t scored in five games…
“When you arrive in a new championship, it is normal, even after a great start, to go through a period of adaptation. Also because Milan, due to the elimination from the Champions League, has struggled in terms of results and the game expressed.
“The comeback victories against Lecce and Como have put things back in order a bit, but Gimenez still feels the pressure and the weight of the shirt. It can happen to a young player, in his first experience in Italy.”
Can Milan still hope for fourth place despite yesterday’s victories by Bologna and Juventus?
“I hope so, but I think it’s not an easy goal to achieve. A head-to-head clash like the one at Maradona will be a litmus test: in case of success the positive impact would be notable and would give a good push forward. Then of course if the others continue to win…”
Will Conceiçao’s choices tonight be influenced by Wednesday’s Coppa Italia derby?
“At this point in the season, and with a ranking like Milan’s, you can’t make long-term calculations. The Rossoneri need a winning streak in the league. They’ll think about the derby from tomorrow.”
