Ahead of the big clash between AC Milan and Napoli this evening, the former Rossoneri owner Silvio Berlusconi was interviewed by Italian media. Among other things, he said Rafael Leao reminds him of the old Milan.
Tonight’s clash will be the first of three between the two sides in just 16 days, as they will also take on each other in the Champions League quarter-finals. As such, the league game this evening will act as a trial for what’s to come.
Speaking to Gazzetta Dello Sport, as cited by MilanNews, the legendary former Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi (currently the owner of Monza) shared his thoughts on the big game. He also sent the Rossoneri a message from the heart.
On Napoli-Milan…
“So many memories, so many emotions. Above all, I’m still moved when I think about the applause that the wonderful Naples crowd gave us at the end of the match [Scudetto decider 1988]. Proof of class and extraordinary sportsmanship, one of the reasons why Napoli is and will always be in my heart.
“I can’t forget about that match. An amazing, unstoppable Gullit, two extraordinary goalscorers like Virdis and Van Basten, but also a wonderful goal by Maradona from a free kick. One of those football miracles that only he could do.”
Leao is ‘Milan-worthy’…
“They [Leao and Kvara] are two great players who have different characteristics. Maybe Kvaratskhelia is a more complete player, but Leao is more ‘Milan-worthy’, he has a style of play that in the best moments reminds me of the greatest players in our Milan.”
Missteps this season…
“I have to make a premise: I’m always a fan of Milan and obviously I watch the games of the Rossoneri with great interest, but I’m also the former president of Milan and today the president of another Serie A team. I can only say that I have a lot of respect for Pioli and that Milan’s season is really a strange one, a bit on and off. Milan have played some wonderful matches but have had unexplainable failures.”
On a player he would bring to Milan…
“Haaland or Mbappe. But let me end this interview with a Forza Milan, which comes from my heart.”
The game is scheduled for 20:45 and it will be played at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Milan are in need of at least a point as the top-four race is becoming more complicated with each week that passes.
Thank you Silvio. The greatest club president in history. No one could identify players as well as him. He hand picked Van Basten, Desailly and Savicevic.
I love when people talk bad about Silvio, and 99% of them wouldn’t be fans of Milan if he wasn’t the president when he was…
Don Silvio has spoken! We want Haaland or Mbappe😂😂