Impressed by Modric to the point of comparing his leadership and influence on teammates to his Milan captain Paolo Maldini, Massimo Ambrosini, pundit for DAZN, watched Sunday’s match at the Stadium closely and was struck by the Croatian’s display, as well as by Allegri’s side, which in his view can fight for the Scudetto. In fact, according to him, the team can compete for the title if the Rossoneri tactician finds a way to fit both Leao and Pulisic in the 3-5-2 and to get the Portuguese at his best. A difficult task, but he believes Max can manage it.
Ambrosini, should Milan’s draw in Turin vs Juventus be seen as a good point or two points dropped?
"It’s not mandatory to choose (he smiles). If you count the goal chances, Milan created more and came closer to winning," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
So you give Allegri’s team a positive grade after the first six Serie A games?
"I liked them because they show great spirit and solid organization. The proof comes from the goals conceded: the last from open play was Bonazzoli’s bicycle kick in the first round. If you’re not solid, you don’t keep four clean sheets in the first six league games. Allegri’s hand is clear."
Where can Milan improve?
"The midfield is strong, very strong, but the wing-backs can and must grow. Then the forwards: the key will be how the two strikers in the 3-5-2 fit together, especially once Leao is fully fit."
So far, with Leao out or not at 100 percent, Gimenez has started but hasn’t scored in Serie A.
"True, but in Turin the Mexican had his best match of the season. He linked play, ran a lot, came close to scoring with a header and a shot from distance, and he won a penalty."
He and Pulisic complement each other well.
"Pulisic roams the whole attacking front and has Gimenez as a reference point, which keeps defenders busy. If the American has done so well so far, Santi deserves credit too."
With Rafael Leao as a center forward, what happens? Can Rafa be Milan’s No. 9 as Allegri wants?
"That’s the big question. The coach is right when he says Leao sometimes makes movements of a center forward. His right-footed diagonal shot on Modric’s pass, saved by Di Gregorio, came after a smart run. But a striker also has to play with his back to goal. Will Leao manage that? Then there’s the coexistence with Pulisic. They need to learn to share space because both like to drift left, and that risks leaving the box empty."
In Turin, Pulisic missed a penalty and Leao wasted two big chances...
"It happens to hit a penalty over the bar. As for Leao’s missed chances, I wouldn’t dwell too much, the first one especially wasn’t easy to steer on target in a split second. I’ve seen worse misses. Speaking of Rafa, let me add something: he has a huge opportunity. This season Milan has set a standard for mentality and attitude on the pitch, and he must follow it. Technically there’s no doubt, but tactically he has to work and adapt. He also needs to show sacrifice, competitive anger, and aggression.”
Will Massimiliano Allegri succeed in transforming him?
"Leao has extraordinary qualities and a player of his level must be allowed to keep his natural instincts and core traits. That said, he must make the effort to help the team. To give a final verdict and say he cannot be a center forward would be wrong, because he only played two short spells in a less-than-ideal physical state. I still have doubts about his adaptation to the role, but we’ll see soon."
So Massimiliano Allegri was right when he told Leao... ‘help yourself and God will help you’.
"(Smiles) Max has been around this world for a long time.”
Do you see Milan as Scudetto contenders?
"With this spirit and no injuries to key players, they can compete until the end. Inter though are back to strong form and playing their football again, and they are tough. Napoli also improved with their transfer moves."
Does this brilliant Modric remind you of Pirlo from your Milan days?
"For charisma and the energy he brings on the pitch, I’d say he’s closer to Paolo Maldini. Andrea was unique worldwide for how he interpreted the role technically, but for the feelings Modric gives, for the way he inspires and lifts teammates with his presence, I compare him to Paolo, my great captain."
