Roberto Donadoni, former AC Milan player and former Napoli coach, gave an exclusive interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, available in today’s issue.
Here are his statements.
On Napoli, currently top of the table ahead of the match against Milan:
"After a challenging season like the last one, a reaction was to be expected, especially with Antonio Conte now on the bench. Napoli struggles to play fluid football, but they’re still ahead of teams that were considered strong favorites. If they’re achieving these results without playing well, it’ll be even harder for others to face them as they improve."
On Paulo Fonseca lagging behind Conte in his work:
"For various reasons, the Rossoneri haven’t found their identity. I thought their derby win would relaunch them, but instead... However, let me add something."
On Paulo Fonseca and Antonio Conte:
"Conte’s influence on Napoli is evident because he’s instilled confidence and unity in the group. But Fonseca has also made bold choices. For example, against Udinese, he had many absences, yet he benched Rafael Leão, and for half an hour, Milan dominated before defending with heart. The team supports him."
On what kind of Milan-Napoli match he expects, Donadoni said:
"Intense, beautiful, and balanced. It will say a lot about both teams’ futures."
On Napoli’s five consecutive victories:
"The last two 1-0 wins against Empoli and Lecce were tough. They had a bit of luck, but these results weren’t flukes: Napoli is confident and feels strong. Now they’ll have to prove themselves against top teams in the coming weeks."
On Napoli as favorites for the Scudetto:
"They’re on top, but I don’t see any team capable of creating a big gap and running away. For me, Inter still has the advantage: they’re more tested and have made fewer changes than the others."
On whether Milan can stay in the race until the end:
"I sincerely hope so for the good of the league. The Rossoneri aren’t far from making that final leap in quality, but when you bring in a new coach, some patience is needed to absorb his style of play."
On Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia not performing at their best:
"Their talent is not in question, but both have lacked that spark lately. Kvara had contract issues that affected his performance, which is only natural... Lukaku isn’t at his peak, and physical condition is crucial for him."
On Milan not getting much from Álvaro Morata and Leao:
"Morata hasn’t scored much, but he contributes greatly to the team, participating in play and creating space. I’d never give up on a player like that. The situation with Leão is different: he’s showing issues he’s had in the past. Until he finds consistency, it’s pointless to talk about his potential and when he’ll fulfill it."
On Rafael Leão no longer being untouchable, Donadoni commented:
"It’s not that Fonseca is giving up on him. It’s Leão who’s giving up... on himself."
On his memories of his time at Milan:
"I get emotional when I see teammates from our many successes. Milan was an exceptional club: Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani made the difference, while on the field, there were extraordinary champions and true men."
On his experience on the Napoli bench:
"It was an intense experience that I remember fondly, even though it was short-lived. Napoli was in a building phase, but the city and fans were, and still are, fantastic."
On when he might return to coaching:
"I have no intention of stopping... I want a club that allows me to work peacefully with a meaningful project.
