AC Milan are the title favourites heading into the new season but they will have to replicate the same things that brought success in the last campaign, according to Arrigo Sacchi.
During the 2021-22 campaign, Stefano Pioli’s side somewhat upset the odds by going all the way and ending the 11-year wait for the Scudetto. Not many fancied them going into the season but an excellent defensive effort and some clutch results late in the season proved to be enough.
However, the challenge this season is to try and retain the title of champions of Italy while also doing better in Europe after last season’s group stage elimination, with rivals having strengthened.
Sacchi spoke in his usual weekly column for La Gazzetta dello Sport and he was asked for his assessments on the upcoming Serie A season and in particular the battle for the Scudetto which promises to be hotly contested and possibly even a three/four horse race.
“Milan are favourites because they won the last title and because they are playing well. If they continue on this path, and if they improve in the action of pressing high on their opponents, the players from Pioli can have another great season,” he said (via PianetaMilan).
“The important thing is that they avoid the success syndrome which, unfortunately, is always around the corner. Down to earth and maximum commitment.
“But they have to pay attention to Juventus and Inter. Juve, at least in Italy, are always very dangerous and have strengthened with Di Maria, Bremer, Kostic and Pogba. And Inter, perhaps a bit penalised by the rather critical economic situation, have great experience and talented players. Finally, to challenge Milan, I also put Roma.
“Roma could be the real surprise. Not only for the arrival of Dybala, who is an important player, but because Mourinho is doing a great job. He is a very good communicator, he knows how to manage the environment which is the weak point of Roma.
“Mourinho has entered the players’ minds and I think he will have an even greater impact. And then, among the possible surprises, pay attention to Gasperini’s Atalanta who have no European commitments this season.
“Napoli? I am very curious to see Osimhen at work. He has enormous potential, in my opinion not yet all expressed. A year of Spalletti’s lessons, both on a technical and behavioural level, should have served him. to improve and get closer to being the leader that Napoli needs. Another element that I will follow closely is Dybala: I expect his complete rebirth with Mourinho.”
