Former Inter forward Sandro Mazzola has stated that AC Milan will need Stephan El Shaarawy back to his best in order to advance in the Champions League.
The Rossoneri hung on for a 0-0 draw against Ajax on Wednesday following Riccardo Montolivo’s red card to progress to the second round of the competition, and will now await the draw on December 16 to find out their next opponent.
“It was not a great game, but considering the numerical inferiority, Milan did well to hold out,” Mazzola told calcissimio.com
“A lot will depend on the draw. I think that, to progress in Europe, the Rossoneri will need to rediscover El Shaarawy at his best.”
The 21-year-old forward has made just one Serie A start for his club so far in 2013/14. He was out of action in September because of a muscle injury and then suffered a metatarsal fracture.
He started in the game against Ajax but was replaced by Andrea Poli following Montolivo’s dismissal.
