Former defender Alessandro Costacurta believes AC Milan are third-favourites to win the league, and that Inter are still superior at the moment.
It is already looking like it could be a classic Scudetto battle even just three games into the season, with Milan and Inter having each won their first three matches and having looked very convincing in doing so.
However, the campaign is still in its infancy and ultimately the derby on Saturday 16 September – the first game back after the international break – will give some strong indications about which team is on top.
Costacurta gave an interview to Tuttosport which was published in this morning’s edition of the paper, and he spoke about the derby that is on the horizon as well as the Scudetto battle and the Champions League draw. PianetaMilan relayed his comments.
Who is the favourite for the Scudetto?
“Inter are the strongest, then I say Napoli, then Milan. But watch out for Juventus, without European competition and with those two stubborn people up front they can fight until the end.”
Who are the favourites for the derby after the break?
“Today Inter are stronger, because the results of the four derbies in 2023 are there to prove it and because Simone Inzaghi’s team are further ahead in the cohesion between the players.
“It’s true that both have changed a lot, but Inter’s starters are currently almost the same as those who played in the Champions League final a few months ago.
“Having said that, it’s not a given that Inter will still be ahead in nine months because Milan have created a good team that can only grow.”
Are Milan impressing you after a summer revolution?
“Did I expect them to already perform like this? Yes, they carried out a market with the intention of starting strong. In particular, Milan who chose more European players because they knew that being in the third pot they would have a tougher Champions League group.”
Speaking of the Champions League, how will the Milan clubs do in Europe?
“Last year a couple of particular and even fortunate situations came together, but I believe that today both are stronger and have greater awareness. If before the objective was to get through the group, today both – but I’m also thinking of Napoli – are aiming for the quarter-finals.”
Milan got a tough group with PSG, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund…
“He will have to play six battles, all the teams will take points away. It will be important to start well, but above all to finish strong.”
Were you surprised by Paolo Maldini’s exit?
“Very much, like everyone else. I can only say that Paolo is an asset in any environment, but he has to do something he likes, not just be a bandiera. In recent years he has shown that he knows how to do that job, but now Milan have chosen another methodology, which I don’t judge. We will see the results.”
How much will absence of Maldini and Zlatan Ibrahimović weigh on the new Milan?
“I don’t think so, because this is no longer the Milan it was two-three years ago, the boys have grown up, now they’re men. And what’s more, we must recognise how Pioli has become a very good coach. He has always had good ideas, now he is more confident in applying them.”
![Paolo Maldini Zlatan Ibrahimovic](https://icdn.sempremilan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/E0ESgzbXIAIs9AB.jpeg)
What are the issues Milan must be wary of in their pursuit of the Scudetto?
“Milan will have no problems in midfield and in attack, so I’ll focus on the defence. Stefano Pioli’s season depends on the performances of Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw and Pierre Kalulu.
“If they raise the level compared to last year, then Milan will be able to reach the bottom of every competition. This is the great unknown.”
And what about Inter?
“If the Nerazzurri equaled the level reached last year, they would have already achieved great success. I think the puzzle for Inzaghi is in attack where he lost Edin Džeko and Romelu Lukaku, but if Marcus Thuram will always be the one seen against Fiorentina, then…
“Keeping this in mind there is Lautaro Martínez. After the World Cup, playing badly, he snapped something and today he feels like a great striker and I don’t see many around who are stronger than him.”
Could other teams join the Scudetto race?
“I definitely place Napoli between Inter and Milan, even if the loss of Kim Min-Jae – the best defender in Europe last year – is very important.
“And then watch out for Juventus. They won’t have European football and this will be an advantage. The Bianconeri have a good defence, a midfield that could improve with Paul Pogba if he was finally well. And the two in front, Federico Chiesa and Dušan Vlahović, who I call the two stubborn ones, are very strong.
“Obviously accounts must be respected and Juventus were right to evaluate offers for them, but at the same time I am convinced that Cristiano Giuntoli did not want to sell them, because they are good, young and can have many years ahead of them.
“They need to get some thoughts out of their heads that don’t make them perform at their best because together they can be devastating.”
Who will be a surprise this season?
“I think it could be Torino’s year. I liked the arrival of Duván Zapata, as well as Alessandro Buongiorno’s attitude in saying no to Atalanta, like a great captain.”
I agree mostly. The jury is still out on Milan even though we’ve had a good first 3 rounds. Inter and Napoli are still strong, probably stronger than us based on continuity. And then Juve always being underestimated. They’re gonna lurk around the 3rd or 4th spot and come winter pick up the pace when everyone else is falling as happened last year.
I get the euphoria around our team but we really should be calm. There’s lots of season to go and many things can happen
We have yet to be tested this season and the Derby will provide that. Also, we need to see if this team can battle back from going a goal down. Are they strong mentally?
Inter do seem superior so far and are still the Scudetto favorite this season. But the season is long, let’s see how it plays out. I hope we have enough legs to contend domestically and in Europe.
FORZA MILAN ⚫️🔴
Milan will win the scudeto this season
Forza Milan