Arrigo Sacchi believes that Stefano Pioli has earned his future as AC Milan coach for another season and thinks it will be an entertaining and open Europa League clash against AS Roma.
Former Milan coach Sacchi was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Radio Rossonera) and asked about what will become of Pioli now that the form has improved dramatically from earlier in the season.
Milan have won 14 out of 19 games in 2024 and are on track to finish second in Serie A. They are also into the quarter-finals of the Europa League where they face fellow Italian side Roma.
As for why Milan are playing better now, Sacchi said: “First of all, they run, and then it seems to me that players who had remained in the shadows have come out. [Samuel] Chukwueze is showing good technical and athletic qualities. Physically they are doing very well, the group is acquiring the necessary consistency to stay at the top.”
He then showed confidence in what Pioli has done but added that there is an area that needs improving: “Pioli has earned his future, I have no doubts. Here, people need to start thinking: Pioli won a Scudetto with a team that had cost much less than its adversaries. Credit to him and to the players. The defensive phase, however, needs fixing because there is no connection between the departments when the opponents have the ball.”
Milan’s season now predominantly rests on the Europa League as it is the last chance for a trophy and would bring immense joy to the fan base.
Facing Roma presents an unusual challenge as there is a 13-point gap between the two sides in Serie A, but they have been in superb form under Daniele De Rossi and certainly have what it takes to win.
Sacchi expected it to be an open and entertaining tie across two legs.
“It should be an open, interesting match, in which Milan are favourites because they play the first leg at home. There may be surprises,” he said.
“I’m not a fortuneteller, I don’t know. Milan have a more European style, they have a history behind them, they have more experience. But Roma have grown so much. I hope there will be entertainment and people will enjoy themselves. I’d like to see a match similar to those in the Premier League.”
Really looking forward to the EL games. It will be very intersting to see if Roma is as good as their form has shown. They haven’t really been tested I think. The game against Lazio wasn’t very intimidating imho. They did good to beat out Feyenoord in EL but other than that all games have been against lesser sides. Including Brighton who isn’t what they were at the behinning of the season.
I hope Milan can get a two goal cushion at least.