Ahead of AC Milan’s season opener against Napoli on Saturday night, former Rossoneri coach Arrigo Sacchi believes they have what it takes to challenge for the Serie A title.
Milan brought in a host of new faces this summer, including Gonzalo Higuain, Mattia Caldara and Tiemoue Bakayoko, as well as retaining the services of hotshot goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“I’ll repeat what I told the person next to me on the beach here at Milano Marittima: ‘Milan can fight for the Scudetto’,” Sacchi told the Corriere della Sera.
“This isn’t the old Milan boss in me speaking, not at all. Juventus aren’t the favourites, they are overwhelming favourites.
“But at the same time I am convinced that if Gattuso, who is a wonderful person and exceptional professional, succeeds in making a great leap in quality, Milan will be the real surprise of the season. They can even challenge for the Scudetto.
“Saturday’s match in Naples will be extremely significant, in the sense of putting together a Scudetto challenge. Not the result though, the performance. Higuain is a guarantee [of goals], but above all they now have a club.
“Maldini and Leonardo have a history with the club, the are competent and have charisma. It was essential to get them in because above all, there is always the club. The rest, the team, the players, they are just a consequence.”
