AC Milan have a squad that is capable of fighting for the Scudetto but they should expect a good game in Sardinia tomorrow, according to former Cagliari boss Rolando Maran.
After losing 5-1 in the derby against Inter, Milan have slowly begun their recovery. A 0-0 draw in the Champions League against Newcastle United was a game they dominated and should have won, while they did beat Hellas Verona 1-0 at San Siro on Saturday to take outright possession of second.
On Wednesday evening they will face off against newly-promoted Cagliari who have struggled so far this season with no wins and one goal in their first five games. If you think you know which way the game will go, try European betting sites.
On the eve of the game, MilanNews spoke to Rolando Maran who was the coach of Cagliari from 2018 to 2020 and he gave his thoughts on the Rossoneri’s season so far.
What type of match do you expect between Cagliari and Milan?
“Very open. There are many pitfalls that Milan will have to face. It’s true, Cagliari didn’t start well, but they’re always difficult to face at home. Furthermore, Ranieri is a great coach, with an exemplary history. He can always put you in trouble.”
How do you judge Milan’s recent post-derby matches?
“Losing the derby like that was extremely difficult for Milan on a psychological level. But I saw a great reaction in the following games. I would also like to add one aspect…
“Until before the international break there was talk of a devastating Milan, capable of overwhelming everything and everyone. There also needs to be consistency in judgments. It is often missing in Italy.”
The Rossoneri, right now, are hit by multiple injuries…
“It seems to me that Pioli has control of the situation. The replacements, in general, seem up to par to me. Sportitello isn’t creating problems for Milan, it seems to me.”
The others though? Jovic and Okafor, for example, haven’t had much playing time in attack…
“They will get it. For me they are very good attackers. Furthermore, up front, Milan has Leao, one of the strongest players in Serie A.”
But is there something technically missing from the current Milan?
“Maybe in the rearguard. But, on an overall level, Milan was built very well. The players who have arrived are all very young: you look at it in perspective. This is a positive element.”
Are Inter really uncatchable or could other teams also enter the Scudetto race? How helpful would Ibrahimovic’s return to the club be to Milan in this sense?
“Ibrahimovic can always be of use to you in the club, he is an absolute champion who transfers his winning mentality, especially to the younger players.
“I think Inter have a competitive squad and are currently favourites, but nothing has been decided yet. For me it will be a three-way fight, between Inter, Milan and Napoli.”
