Bologna boss Thiago Motta believes that AC Milan have used the money from their run in the Champions League to build a squad that is now ‘huge’.
Milan kick off their 2023-24 Serie A campaign with a difficult visit to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara to face Bologna, a fixture in which they only managed a 1-1 draw last season as Tommaso Pobega cancelled out Nicola Sansone’s opener.
It has been a summer of upheaval for the Rossoneri as Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara was left, Sandro Tonali was sold but eight signings arrived.
Marco Sportiello, Luka Romero, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic, Noah Okafor, Samuel Chukwueze, Tijjani Reijnders and Yunus Musah have all arrived, with the spend over €100m.
Motta spoke at his pre-match press conference on the eve of the match against Milan, with his comments relayed by our colleagues at SempreMilan.it.
“We’ll compete with a good team like Milan, we’ve had a good week’s work, with our means we’ll face the match as best as possible, with maximum concentration,” he said.
“If they [Milan] aren’t the favourites, they are one of the favourites, by different means. They have built a strong, balanced and quality squad, not only for the league but also for Europe.
“Last year they finally entered Europe and used that money to build a huge squad. In any case, little changes for us, we are concentrated on what we must do and avoid.”
Motta was also questioned about the future of Nicolas Dominguez, a player who has been repeatedly linked with a move to Milan during the summer given his deal expires in 10 months.
“Nico is very well, he will be our captain against Milan, he feels good and is well, he is very concentrated. Yesterday we talked about some things to better face Milan and he is always very attentive and competitive, he wants to do well for himself and for the team, I’m happy to have him.
“For the renewal, ask him and Fenucci. My feeling is that the boy is looking great and is in top form, he will give his all like everyone.”
