Sacchi: New signings not enough for Milan, Conte can ‘rest easy’ with McTominay and De Bruyne | OneFootball

Arrigo Sacchi insists new signings won’t be enough for Milan after ‘last season’s disaster but feels Antonio Conte can ‘rest easy’ with Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne.

Sacchi analysed Milan and Napoli’s games in a column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Rossoneri suffered a shocking 2-1 loss at home against newly promoted side Cremonese, while the Partenopei began their title defence with a 2-0 victory away at Sassuolo.

Sacchi believes Allegri needs time at Milan

Arrigo Sacchi during the Women Supercup match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I believe Allegri needs time to put the team together and give it a style of play. I think the club has a duty to support the coach and the players,” wrote Sacchi.

“Losing in the season opener hurts; the fans are surely disappointed, but I believe that character is forged in difficulties.

“Anyone who thought that a few signings would be enough for Milan to put on some makeup after last season’s disaster was clearly mistaken.

“Cremonese were certainly inferior, and yet they scored twice and won the match. In football, and especially in Serie A, what makes the difference are character, team spirit, willingness to sacrifice and organisation. Cremonese had those qualities, Milan not yet. Let’s give them time, and I’m sure Allegri will right the ship.”

De Bruyne and McTominay scored a goal each in Napoli’s win on Saturday, and Sacchi feels the Partenopei will be the team to beat this season.

Sacchi: Conte already thinking about the next Napoli game

SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, shouts instructions during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Conte can rest easy if McTominay keeps delivering the beautiful football that dazzled us last season and if De Bruyne proves he is still that world-class player who enchanted at Manchester City,” noted the ex-Milan coach.

“I’m aware that Conte is not the type to relax and enjoy a victory. He’s already thinking about the next match and, above all, he’s analysing the mistakes against Sassuolo.

“That’s exactly how he wants his Napoli to be. One thing is certain: whoever wants to win the Scudetto will have to deal with the Azzurri, who have shown they are still hungry.”