Albertini explains why he ‘really likes’ Amorim but names two players he wants to see more

Demetrio Albertini believes that top four is the main aim for AC Milan, while he would like to see two youngsters get more minutes.

Albertini’s career is all about victories. His successes with Milan include five league titles and a Champions League, while he added a Coppa Italia win with Lazio. The two teams will face each other on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico, making it a game that he will feel more than most.

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Albertini’s Milan were the team of the invincibles, while his Lazio werea giant capable of adding to the club’s trophy cabinet, which is not a given. Tomorrow’s match will have a different context: two teams that have started well but are still under construction.

To preview the match, Albertini spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport to give his thoughts on how Gennaro Gattuso and Ruben Amorim’s sides have begun the new campaign.

Did you expect Lazio to be top of the table and Milan to be right behind?

“Honestly, no, I wasn’t expecting it: it’s a surprise, even though after three games it’s obviously too early to judge.

“I’m surprised because what’s happening in Rome certainly can’t go unnoticed, with all the external difficulties that could impact the team, coach, staff, and players, and yet it just doesn’t seem to be happening.”

Gattuso is attracted to tougher challenges. Can he bounce back after his disappointment with the national team?

“Rino knew the situation, maybe he didn’t think it was so complex. But in the meantime, he won and did it well. The team, I repeat, wasn’t affected by the external climate. But, speaking as a former player, it’s not easy to isolate yourself in certain situations.

“Plus, the transfer market didn’t help: everyone, however, adapted to the situation and performed to their full potential.”

On the other hand, Amorim has the support of the fans, who, however, are expressly demanding Champions League football. Is this achievable?

“The difficulty is starting from scratch, and unfortunately, that’s happened too many times in recent years. The coach, the players, the tactical plan: everything is new, and it will inevitably take time, especially given the difficulties that are likely to arise.

“The project must be supported with confidence regardless. I really like Amorim: finally, we’re seeing a free team, a more confident attitude from the individuals. Of course, having so many players going one-on-one can also lead to some defensive issues, but, I repeat, they must be supported.”

Time and patience: will Serie A give that to him?

“It must. Certain changes can’t be seen in a month: in December, perhaps, we’ll understand how deeply the new mentality has taken root in the group. We must learn to be more patient with both coaches and players: today more than ever, we need emotional football, and that takes time.

“Since we can no longer afford Messi, Haaland, or Mbappé, we must build something of our own. And the process requires time and trust.”

So is it too early to link Milan to the Scudetto?

“They need to play to get back into the Champions League, which is already a difficult objective. There are six teams competing for four spots: Inter, Roma, Napoli, Juve, Como, and Milan. Inter and Roma are ahead of the rest, fighting for the Scudetto.

“Milan should at least try to stay as high as possible and dream. The transfer window has also been Champions League-like. They’re not the favorites in the Europa League, but yes, they can go all the way. Europe is always a learning experience.”

Do you like Ramos?

“Against Venezia, he scored like a true striker, with a great run and extraordinary speed of execution. He needs to be supported as best he can so that he can demonstrate his true worth with his goals and performances. Ramos is doing well, but I’d also like to see Camarda.”

You want to see the younger players get more time?

“I wish there was more courage in launching players. Amorim has shown he has had it in the past and that he makes his choices not based on age or pre-established hierarchies, but by focusing on those he feels are ready to play, young or old.

“I would give Camarda a chance, as well as Comotto, who everyone speaks highly of and is very good. A coach who comes from abroad has this culture and is more comfortable making certain decisions: here, especially in recent years, it has always been complicated.”

Modric wanted to return…

“I spoke to him about ten days ago at the Football Gala, we hung out a bit. It’s true that Amorim wants a more intense game, but Luka is physically fit, and in this tactical one-on-one situation he also feels more protected, more supported.

“That’s why I understand the decision to propose Musah alongside him, also because he seems like a different player…”