Legendary defender Alessandro Costacurta has shared his thoughts on a number of topics related to AC Milan from the semi-final against Inter to potential signings for the summer window.
The words of Stefano Pioli and Sandro Tonali in the press conferences on the eve of the game made it clear that they really believed in a potential comeback against Inter, but in the end the 2-0 first leg defeat proved to be too big a task to overturn.
In the end Milan did not only fail to mount a challenge but they also lost the second leg too as Lautaro Martinez sealed the Nerazzurri’s trip to Turkey for the final on June 10. It is the fourth defeat in a row in the derby for the Rossoneri, and their fourth without scoring.
Costacurta spoke in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport about the current moment that Milan find themselves in after a disappointing defeat against their city rivals in Europe.
Milan were eliminated by Inter and it always hurts. In view of next year, how do you move forward?
“Speaking to those who have not been to their level. There are those who have played below their standard and we need to understand why.”
Are we talking about De Ketelaere?
“In another environment he has done really well and for me he is a good player. He looks scared but I see a margin for growth.”
Have you ever seen such a difficult first year in the great Milan of the past?
“The point is that everything was different. Il Genio [Savicevic] when he arrived was the runner-up in the Ballon d’Or but he did not start with extraordinary months. At the time, however, the team was holding up on its own, while now reinforcements are essential.”
Would you go ahead with Maldini and Pioli or not?
“Go ahead with everyone. They did a great job again this year, with the semi-final of the Champions League. However, it is clear that qualifying for the next edition will greatly influence the judgment.”
In what sense?
“It is not correct to say that the season has been disappointing – or unsuccessful, without bothering Antetokounmpo – and then I believe that Milan will qualify for the next Champions League.
“I know that fourth place is fundamental economically but one certainly could not think of mentally abandoning the Champions League for this.”
Among various problems, which is the main one?
“The output of the reserve players.”
Among the starters, however, as a defender, don’t you think that Kalulu and Tomori have disappointed?
“Yes I agree. Last season they were the real secret for the Scudetto and Kalulu’s growth impressed me a lot, because I didn’t know him. In recent months, however, they have made a lot of mistakes. I’m very surprised.”
What happened?
“When you have such rapid growth and you suddenly find yourself starting, a difficult season can happen. Tomori, on the other hand, I thought he would no longer make mistakes, I thought he had reached maturity.”
If two offers come in – one for Kalulu, one for Tomori – who would you sell?
“I say Tomori. Also because the offer would probably be higher.”
And if there was the budget for just one big buy, which player would you use it for?
“For a striker… even if the forwards are sought after by everyone.”
Can you name a name?
“I would sign someone like Scamacca. There is a shortage of strikers with those qualities and Milan can be the right environment. Another player I like is Sesko, 2003 from Salzburg. A bit raw but young, strong.”
