Dejan Savicevic believes that AC Milan have become more aware of their means thanks to the recent win against Napoli, but stressed that they are still up against it in the Champions League.
Milan put down an early marker ahead of the two games to come as they put four past Napoli on Sunday night thanks to a brace from Rafael Leao plus goals from Brahim Diaz and Alexis Saelemaekers.
Savicevic is a man who knows what it takes to win domestically and in Europe, given he won three Scudetti and one Champions League with Milan, and that came in 1994 against Barcelona when the Rossoneri won 4-0 in the final against Cruijff’s side who were strong favourites.
Savicevic spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport this morning and in particular focused on on the two-legged Champions League meeting between the Rossoneri and Luciano Spalletti’s side.
“I’m being honest: I hope Milan will qualify for the semi-final. Boskov was right…,” he said
In what sense?
“That it’s better to win five games 1-0 than one 5-0. Boskov always said that. He was a wise man.”
So wasn’t that sensational Rossoneri success in the league at Maradona a good thing?
“I know it’s strange to say it, that it seems paradoxical, but it is true. Now it will be harder for the Rossoneri, it was better to stay more covered.”
Shouldn’t they scare Serie A leaders Napoli a bit? Doesn’t a 4-0 change the scenario?
“Believe me, I have been a footballer and I know what is happening in these hours. Napoli now have more motivation, they want to react after the defeat, they are more excited, in the dressing room they are talking about how to respond to a result like this. The story got complicated. The loser always has an extra boost. A nice 1-0 would have been perfect.”
Who qualifies then?
“I hope Milan, I’m a fan. But I also believe it. It can be done, every match has its own story.”
Even with the 20-point gap in the table?
“Milan have clearly shown that they can beat Napoli. They have everything to do it. And then it depends on many things, the Champions League is never certain: a corner, a post, a particular situation. And one player more or less.”
The player?
“Osimhen. He wasn’t there in Naples. If he’s on the pitch at San Siro on Wednesday evening, many things will change.”
Is your faith in the Rossoneri just as a fan?
“No. For me Napoli are a great team, but not a grandissima one. So they can be beaten by Milan. At least I hope…”
Grande SAVICEVIC. I agree with him – I think Napoli will be even more fired up now but I still think we’ll stuff them.
It’s like a fight once you get beat up you will always get beat up by same person.ac milan is way more superior to Napoli
Milan won the battle on Naples 4-0 but now they have to win the war in 2 leg champions league….. FACT
Dejan is a folk hero with the Rosso Neri
No one should forget his brilliance, skill and finishing excellence and intelligence for the game