RAI journalist and radio commentator Giovanni Scaramuzzino believes that the best two sides in Serie A will meet on Sunday night as AC Milan host Napoli.
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Milan played and beat Inter in the Derby della Madonnina earlier this month, but the feeling is that tomorrow’s game against Napoli is the biggest of the season so far given both sides have 14 points from their opening six league games, putting them joint top with Atalanta. You can check how the game is going with Serie A latest scores.
Scaramuzzino spoke in an interview with MilanNews about tomorrow’s crucial game but also to give his thoughts on Charles De Ketelaere and his adaptation.
What kind of game will it be between Milan and Napoli in your opinion?
“I believe that the two best teams in the league will face each other on Sunday at San Siro. It will be a very special season, reaching the break with such a win would mean a lot in terms of self-belief. Milan are a tried and tested complex that Pioli is managing very well, also in terms of rotations. I think neither of them will take the field to draw, I expect an intense match with an open result.”
How serious will the absence of Rafael Leao be for Milan?
“Rafael Leao is an important and unique player, but there are no irreplaceable players. I believe that the game is the weapon that Pioli and Spalletti use to make up for such absences, as well as an element of strength that makes players enter the field with the right way to attack the game. Even Napoli will not have Osimhen, although with different roles this absence will equal that of Leao in Milan.”
Do you think Pioli will be able to opt for a change of formation, perhaps switching to a three-man defence?
“The change of system could be a hypothesis but it would be a surprise. I honestly don’t expect it, especially in a match like this since it would involve a higher percentage of risk. In the possession phase it could be an extra weapon for Milan but not as regards the defensive phase.”
Will Saelemaekers also affect the Neapolitans after his recent performances?
“Saelemaekers is not Milan’s added value but he is a player on whom you can bet. You can’t expect ten out of ten performances from him, but a confidence in certain movements that Pioli especially asks of him and that the player now knows by heart.”
How do you explain the fact De Ketelaere is still not at his best?
“I think De Ketelaere just needs to settle in. He is a player who plays with his head held high, who knows how to give verticality and who never holds the ball for a moment longer than necessary. This is important in the Italian league: if you arrive in Serie A already knowing when to give the ball away, I think this is a strong point. It is true, however, that he must improve in consistency. You can’t play in flashes in a season where the level is such as to put you in tactical difficulty.”
Origi is still out due to injury, if he finds consistency could he really be a big signing for Milan?
“I think Origi can be considered as a bet. Not so much for its own value, which is undeniable, as for an adaptation to the Italian league which is not easy. I believe that Pioli will have to have more patience with him than expected.”
Can Milan aim for first place in their Champions League group?
“I think Milan have what it takes to get first place in the group. Compared to last year, I think we are seeing another Milan in the Champions League, a Milan more aware of their possibilities. From the matches with Chelsea I don’t think we will understand the qualification discourse, which is certainly within reach, as much as that of the fight for first place. But let’s not forget that surprises are on the agenda.”
