Nesta full of praise for Milan's project, Pioli and Tomori-Kalulu pairing

Former AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta believes that the Rossoneri have what it takes to repeat their success from last season, praising the centre-back pairing.

Nesta was interviewed by Corriere della Sera and he spoke about the new season and the ambitions of the Rossoneri, with his comments relayed by our colleagues at SempreMilan.it.

“Milan can open an era. Last year they won by surprise but with merit. And now they can repeat themselves. Players, personality, experience: the second star is within reach,” he said.

“I was more skeptical last year. The team has grown. And then the others are in trouble. I imagine a head to head with Napoli. They are the teams with the clearest ideas: club, coach, players. There is a precise planning.”

Arguably the main person behind Milan’s resurgence in the last couple of years has been Stefano Pioli, who arrived amid scepticism after his appointment but he has converted doubters to believers by implementing a modern style of football that has helped young players grow.

“I am honest, I have always considered him an excellent coach, already at Lazio and Fiorentina, but I never imagined that he was so good. He did a great feat,” Nesta said.

Another great driver behind the Scudetto win was the centre-back pairing of Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu, as Milan conceded just two goals in the final 11 games of last season, with nine clean sheets. Nesta was full of praise for the Englishman and the Frenchman.

“They are modern, have courage, play high and are not afraid of one on one. Of course, if they were Italian it would be better for the national team, but that’s not the case. Patience.”

Finally, Nesta also gave thoughts on Alessio Romagnoli and his decision to leave the club and join Lazio.

“In any case, he played at Milan for several years at a high level. Then new defenders arrived and he played less there. He made a choice of heart, he returned home, to an important club, with a coach who makes his teams play well. For me he did well.”