Sporting director labels Milan midfielder as a ‘true leader’

Sporting director Giorgio Perinetti has labelled AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali as a true leader and said the Rossoneri’s destiny is in their own hands.

The former Siena and Brescia director was interviewed by Milan News ahead of Sunday night’s match against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi.

He agreed with the suggestion that Milan have their destiny in their own hands when it comes to winning a first Scudetto since 2010/11.

“Looking at the standings I would say yes. The Rossoneri are masters of their own destiny, they have two wins and a draw at their disposal, thus enjoying a great advantage,” he said.

“Let’s not forget, however, that this season has seen a lot of change at the top and has taught us not to take anything for granted.”

When asked if there are any players in the Milan squad that particularly stand out to him, Perinetti chose the two central defenders and Sandro Tonali.

“Kalulu and Tomori, defensive players with incredible performances and great maturity. And then there’s Tonali.

“I had him for a short time at Brescia but Cellino had already indicated him to me as a true leader and he has proved to be one.”

Many feel that AC Milan are punching above their weight this season by being in the driving seat to win the title with three games to go. Perinetti certainly feels that the Rossoneri were not considered favourites.

“Certainly almost no one considered AC Milan as favourites and this gives even more credit to the great work done by coach Pioli, the management and the team.

“Paradoxically, the teams of Napoli and Inter, in some ways, have always been considered superior by the experts.”

Sticking with the job that Stefano Pioli is doing at Milan, Perinetti agrees that he has grown a lot in the job.

“A lot. Growth comes through difficulties and negative results. Stefano Pioli has forged a team that knows how to fight despite not having much experience. Milan have never collapsed, not even when they seemed to be struggling.”

Perinetti feels that Sunday’s match against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi will be a tough one and Milan will have their work cut out.

“A complicated challenge. In Verona matches are difficult, full of tension and pressure. On the one hand there’s a more experienced side like AC Milan, who are always close to scoring, and on the other hand there’s a combative side like Verona, which Tudor has shaped in his own image.”

Milan could be brought by Investcorp soon which would bring more spending power. Perinetti feels that confirming the contract extensions of key players is more important.

“Thanks to this year’s experience, we’ll have to start with confirming players. We need functional players more than famous ones. Take Maignan, he was a great signing. Functionality will have to be the watchword before fame”.