Alexandre Pato believes that the current AC Milan squad has what it takes to wrestle the Scudetto from Inter.
Milan have started the new campaign well under Ruben Amorim, racking up wins against Torino away and Venezia at home. That makes them one of six teams that have won both their matches to begin the 2026-27 Serie A campaign.
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Juventus are one of the other five, and on Sunday night the rivalry will be renewed at the Allianz Stadium between the Bianconeri and the Rossoneri. Last season both games ended 0-0, so Luciano Spalletti and Amorim will be looking to engineer a far better spectacle and prove their credentials.
On the day of his 37th birthday, Pato had an interview published in La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he gave his thoughts on his old club, with a big game coming on Sunday in Turin.
Pato, for you Juventus-Milan has always been special…
“It’s a great match, and it was great to play. I’ve faced the Bianconeri several times: once in Turin, I scored against Manninger, tapping in a blocked Ronaldinho shot, while at San Siro, I provided the assist for Ronaldinho, who beat Buffon.
“Gigi is a legend, one of the greatest goalkeepers in history, and I made him a starter in my Dream Team on EA Sports FC 27. Playing against him was a special feeling. Playing against Juventus also meant having Alessandro Del Piero as an opponent, another champion who has become my friend.”
Did you meet on the pitch?
“I’ve always admired him greatly, and one day, when I’d recently arrived in Italy, I went to Turin with a friend to meet him. I knew where he lived, so I knocked on his door.”
Really? Without telling him?
“Yes, that’s how it went. I told him, ‘I came because I really wanted to meet you.’ And he was really nice: he invited me in, we talked for a long time, and then we went out to dinner. He even paid the bill (laughs).”
So Juventus-Milan remains special for you. It was as a player and it is now as a fan…
“It’s a match between two historic clubs that I really like. Both can fight for the Scudetto this year, but I hope Milan wins. I’ll always be rooting for the Rossoneri. On Sunday and in the race for the title.”
You wore the Diavolo’s jersey with… one star on it. Do you expect to wear the one with two stars, perhaps in June?
“Yes, we all hope so. I’m in love with AC Milan like all fans. Last year I went on tour with them and I was supposed to go on retreat with them again this summer, but I couldn’t because it was my son’s first time at school: I couldn’t miss it. When AC Milan plays, I sit in front of the TV and if they win, I’m happy.”
Are Inter still the favourite for the Scudetto?
“For me, Inter and Milan are always among the favourites. In the Scudetto race, I’d also keep an eye on Napoli because they have a good team.
“Inter have celebrated a lot in recent years, and I’ve commentated on two Champions League finals for SBT [a Brazilian TV channel] in which they were a key player. Now, enough with Inter! (laughs) I hope Milan reach the Champions League final as soon as possible.”
To see your wish come true, you will have to wait at least until 2027-28, given how last season ended…
“Unfortunately, yes. When you get to the end of the season and you don’t reach your goal, it’s inevitable that there will be a bit of disappointment. Not participating in the Champions League isn’t nice, but what happened is now part of the past.
“A new season has begun and Milan must try to stay at the top and return to the Champions League, the cup in which by tradition and history they should always participate.”
Do you like Amorim’s attacking football and the structure he has given the team so far?
“Yes, I like him because his style of football is in line with the club’s history. Amorim is good, and he’s proven it so far with his results and the work he’s done. Now everyone expects him to lead Milan back to the Champions League and maybe even win the league.
“It’s right, however, to give him some time because he’s just arrived; he needs to get to know the squad inside out and understand the challenges of Serie A, which is a tough tournament. However, I have a feeling that Amorim will do well this year and that he will bring satisfaction to the fans.”
Are you also betting on Gonçalo Ramos?
“With my eyes closed. I’ve commentated on the World Cup and seen him there several times: he’s brilliant. He plays a different game than the classic centre-forward because he’s mobile, he drops back to participate in the play, he makes good passes, and he can also move wide to facilitate his teammates’ runs. I really hope he can score a lot of goals.”
Would Modric have been useful to the great Milan where you played?
“Of course. If he’d been in that Milan, it would have been wonderful to see him in the middle of the pitch with Ambro, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Kakà… Modric brings class to Milan, and I’m happy he’s decided to play another year in our shirt. He’s had an incredible career, but I hope he can win another trophy with Milan.”
Speaking of your former team-mates, many of those Milan players played video games. Who was the best?
“In those years, at least ten of us often played together: me, Emerson, Seedorf, Kaká, Pirlo, Nesta… We had fun. The best were Nesta and Pirlo.”
Was the real Pato stronger or the one on EA Sports FC?
“I think the video game is really good (laughs again, ed.). It’s wonderful to be among the most popular players ever among EA Sports FC fans, and if I’m there, I have to thank AC Milan.
“Maybe in a little while my son will start playing too and see me in the video game… It will be an added satisfaction for me. Already now he says to me: ‘Dad, you played for AC Milan,’ and I’m proud of that.”
Do you still get chills when you watch your goals for AC Milan on YouTube and hear San Siro shouting your name?
“Of course. I showed those images to my son, and I plan to take him to a match at the Meazza soon. I hope it happens as early as May, and that AC Milan can lift a trophy there in front of its fantastic fans.
“I want him to experience the magical atmosphere of a stadium that has given me so much satisfaction and excitement.”
Given your love for the Rossoneri colors, would you like to return to AC Milan in the future? In what role?
“Well, you never know what the future holds. Right now, I’m watching a lot of football from all over the world: I’m keeping up to date, studying because… you never know. Anyway, I’m 36 today, I’m young, and I’m learning a lot. I want to learn even more off the pitch, and then we’ll see what happens.
“However, returning to AC Milan would be a great pleasure because it’s in my heart: I love the club so much and remember everything I did in that shirt. I would have liked to stay longer, score more goals, and win more trophies, but the whole time I spent there was wonderful and it stayed with me.”
Forget about Scudetto, Top 4 will be an achievement. Milan is lacking a centre back and a Backup striker and some other positions like LWB and Pivot. CB and striker is a position of concern. If Ramos gets injured or is unfit, the game is over for Milan. But I don’t blame owner for this, full squad overhaul is not possible in one window. They will do rest of the business in January or next summer. Fans have to be patient with this. Don’t expect Scudetto in first season of Amorim. Rome wasn’t built in one day. Give Amorim 2-3 transfer windows and he’ll win 5 Scudettos in a row and European trophies as well. This is a journey of transition. Enjoy it. Forza Milan
Let’s wait and see. Let Amorim work with this squad. Restructuring isn’t finished yet. It’s true. Maybe in winter we will get a proper CB. Let’s hope and cheer on our beloved Milan.
Tbh if he came out of retirement, I wouldn’t mind him as a third choice striker lol, I mean we have a 41 year old midfielder. And Ik Modric is a different breed but I think y’all get my point
Pato out of retirement would is better than Camarda and Gimenez lmao
Pato is our most beloved failure