Former AC Milan defender Mauro Tassotti believes that the current squad has a solid base to build from, with the signing of a striker during the summer window of paramount importance.
Tassotti is a man who knows what it takes to win on the biggest stage given that he lifted 17 major trophies with Milan, including five Scudetti and three UEFA Champions League titles, reaching five finals in total.
He played as a right-back in a legendary defensive group that contained the likes of Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, Filippo Galli and Christian Panucci among others.
Not only that, but he worked with Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello who built formidable Milan sides that were able to rack up honours domestically and in Europe.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) carries an interview with Tassotti in which he gives advice to the current Milan management on what to do in the summer.
The gap between Milan and Inter today is huge…
“Last year the Nerazzurri finished 18 points behind Napoli. This year, in March, they have the Scudetto in their pocket. In the space of a season everything can change, even at Milan: the base is there and it is solid, there is no need for revolutions.”
What do they need then?
“Some areas of the pitch need to be strengthened, starting from the centre-forward. I read that Milan follows 4-5 profiles including Zirkzee, who I like. He is young but he already seems like an important player.
“The transition from Bologna to Milan is tough, but he has already been in a high-level dressing room like that of Bayern. He has great technical skills and an important physicality. He can be the right No.9.”
What are the other roles to strengthen?
“In defence we need to understand what Kjaer’s future will be and who will be able to continuously support Tomori. Kalulu and Thiaw are two excellent youngsters, they have grown a lot, but this season they have suffered injuries and lost pace.”
Inter focuses above all on ready, experienced players, with Zielinski and Taremi the latest examples. Milan instead go after young players, is this a strategy that should change?
“Milan won a title with a group full of young players. Rather, it is worth reflecting on the next step: when a young player grows up, they need to be kept.
“I’ll give you an example: Theo is among the best full-backs in the world, if you decide to sell him to reinvest you must have a replacement that is already at his level.”
For many, the gap between Inter and Milan is first of all a question of physicality…
“I think it’s more of a historical characteristic of the two teams. Inter solid, Milan with a more technical vocation.”
Is Pioli the right coach or is he at the end of his cycle?
“For me he has worked very well in recent years. Milan is one of the most pleasant Italian teams to watch and many players have grown with them, from Leao to Hernandez, from Kessie to Bennacer up to Calhanoglu himself.”
