Inzaghi confident in Ramos’ chances as Milan can ‘compete’: “He’ll break the curse”

Pippo Inzaghi has spoken about Goncalo Ramos’ arrival at AC Milan and how he feels he can help the team in Serie A.

After last season’s disappointment, Milan needed to take action. Massimiliano Allegri was brought in as the saviour, so to speak, but he failed to even get the side into a top-four spot after leading the Scudetto race at points.

Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!

It was a freak season and whilst there were certainly issues above him, he ultimately failed. So, changes were needed in the summer and that was found in the head coach, the management and the team.

So, when Ramos was signed for €75m, it was proof of change within the Rossoneri.

Inzaghi praises Ramos

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport in Perth, Inzaghi spoke about his former club and the man who is expected to replicate his scoring form for the Diavolo, as can be seen below in this morning’s paper.

Inzaghi, where would you like to start?

“With a thought for Baresi, who was the idol of my father and my entire family. In 1983, I went to San Siro to watch him play in the World Cup. I wanted to be at his funeral, but unfortunately I was on my way to Australia. So I went to “say goodbye” to him at the mural dedicated to him here in the city.”

What was your first reaction when you learned of his passing?

“It was complicated… I still have his Parma-Milan shirt from March 24, 1996: I was young, but he wanted mine and became even more of a legend. For me, he was the greatest defender in history.”

Were you touched by the welcome you received in Perth?

“Being so emotional at my age is one of the most beautiful things football has given me. When I saw all those people, I initially thought they were there for AC Milan. But instead… Someone was wearing the shirt from the Champions League final in Athens, a shirt that has remained in all of our hearts. Certainly in mine. Scoring two goals in a final is something special.”

“After Istanbul, there’s always Athens,” AC Milan wrote on the back of this year’s away shirt…

“Besides, I was injured in Istanbul, so fate truly gave me a second chance. It was an unforgettable night.”

AC Milan has never experienced a night like that in Europe again, and on May 24th, they failed to qualify for the Champions League for the second time in a row…

“As a Milan fan, I hoped the team would reach the Champions League last year. At one point, I even thought they could compete for the Scudetto. But football is like that…”

The Rossoneri have restarted with Amorim…

“I hope that AC Milan, with their new coach and the important new signings they’ve made, can compete until the end. History teaches us that the Rossoneri must stay at that level.”

What kind of championship do you expect?

“Very balanced. Inter starts out ahead of everyone because they won the Scudetto and have a very well-equipped team. Juventus is completing their squad very well, and Napoli also has a strong squad.”

Do you like Gonçalo Ramos?

“He and Gila are nice reinforcements. The Portuguese moves well and has goals in his blood. Let’s hope this year the striker is the right one and that that number 9 jersey brings him luck.”

After her, only Giroud has defeated the “curse” of the Rossoneri number 9…

“We joke about these things too much and I hope Ramos does well, so we can put this matter to rest.”

Is Lautaro the favourite to be Serie A’s top scorer?

“Lautaro is a guarantee, but next year I’m hoping for a definitive breakthrough from an Italian. I say Scamacca because I think this could be his season. We need to bring a centre-forward back to the top of the scorers’ charts for the good of the national team.

“And we have good forwards: from Scamacca to Raspadori, through the youngsters Pio Esposito and Camarda. Not to mention Kean, who I hope will find consistency with Italy as well, and Cutrone, a man who never disappoints.”