Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, former Milan and Atalanta striker Giampaolo Pazzini previewed this afternoon’s clash between the two sides at San Siro. Below are some excerpts from the interview.
What kind of match will Milan-Atalanta be?
“I don’t think it will be a spectacular one because both teams have made a lot of changes compared to last season and experienced the inevitable difficulties at the start. They are now improving and, although neither is at their best or playing as fluidly as their coaches would like, there is still room for them to grow.”
Amorim’s promise of attractive, dominant football has only been fulfilled in spells so far... Pazzini commented:
“I have great faith in his work because I have always liked him, going back to his time at Sporting, when his team won through high pressing, intensity, quality in possession and… a centre-forward like Gyokeres. He needs time because last summer was an unusual one, with several internationals returning late from the World Cup and Pulisic getting injured. It seems to me that, apart from the defeat against Benfica and the draw with Sassuolo, he has achieved good results.”
However, there has been plenty of criticism
“That’s how it is in Italy. In any case, Amorim has been honest enough to admit that Milan are not yet the team he wants them to be. If he is given the time he deserves, he will do well.”
Would you have liked to play alongside Luka Modric?
“Absolutely, because he is an incredible player, a… Ballon d’Or winner. I think that is the best way to describe him.”
Why is Ramos struggling?
“The goals he scored for his national team and then against Salzburg in the Europa League might take some of the pressure off him, but we must not forget that wearing the Milan shirt carries a lot of weight. Even for someone like him, who has won the last two Champions League titles. I still consider him a very good striker, but he needs to be supplied in a particular way. He is technically gifted and combines well with his teammates, but he doesn’t attack the space in behind. He needs to be brought into the final 25 metres, where he can finish moves through quick, intricate passing in tight spaces.”
Quiz question: Cisse became the first Italian to score a hat-trick for Milan since…
(Laughs) “Since me. I was told about that statistic, which reminded me of my hat-trick against Bologna in September 2012. Cisse is a good player and, even though he has come up from Serie B, his impact has been incredible. Watching how carefree he looks and how he is always ready when called upon, you would think he had been at Milan for years. His is a really lovely story.”
Can Milan get involved in the Scudetto race? Pazzini answered:
“Inter are better than everyone else. The gap is less pronounced when it comes to Roma, who will give them a hard time until the end, and Como, who have a clear identity.”
