Sacchi: Milan ‘favourite’ against Roma, but De Rossi must stay for two reasons | OneFootball

Ex-Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi feels the Rossoneri are slightly favourite against Serie A rivals Roma in the Europa League quarter-finals but insists the Giallorossi must keep Daniele De Rossi beyond the summer.

Sacchi previewed Thursday’s Europa League meeting between Milan and Roma in his latest interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The former Italy and Milan coach expects an “open and interesting game” and sees the Rossoneri as the favourites to qualify for the semi-finals. “They play the first leg at home, but there could be surprises,” he said.

“Milan have a European style, Roma have improved a lot. I’d like to see a match similar to the Premier League.”

Milan beat Lecce on Saturday evening with a convincing performance, while Roma won their first derby della Capitale in over two years securing a 1-0 victory over Lazio.

“Milan are in shape physically; they won five consecutive games in Serie A, which means the team is getting the awareness to remain up there,” noted Sacchi.

“Some players who were in the shadows started to emerge. Chukwueze is showing good technical and athletic qualities.

“Roma put in an excellent performance [against Lazio], and they seemed in shape; there was a breakthrough when De Rossi arrived,” continued Sacchi.

“The team moves according to a plan. There have been occasional lapses, like in Lecce, but generally, they are always focused, work hard, and fight. Don’t forget how hard it is to remain balanced in a place like Roma.”

De Rossi replaced José Mourinho in January, but his contract at the Stadio Olimpico expires at the end of the season. Should Roma keep the former midfielder beyond the summer? Sacchi has no doubts about the decision Roma should make.

“I think so. He is doing an excellent job, and I feel there is a different atmosphere; he has relaunched a player like Lorenzo Pellegrini, who I really like.”