Sky journalist explains why recoveries are ‘fundamental’ for Milan and suggests area to strengthen

SempreMilan

·6 dicembre 2022

Sky journalist explains why recoveries are ‘fundamental’ for Milan and suggests area to strengthen

The AC Milan squad is not close to being complete at the moment and Sky Italia journalist Peppe Di Stefano has highlighted some areas for improvement.

Milan currently find themselves in second place during the World Cup break eight points behind leaders Napoli which will make for a tough battle if they are to close the gap and retain the title of champions of Italy.

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The Rossoneri have been plagued by more injury problems throughout the first part of the campaign amid what has been an unprecedented season in terms of being such a compact schedule.

Di Stefano spoke during an interview with Radio Rossonera about the current state of the Milan squad, with players set to return from injury to boost depth but also a group that could benefit from some more additions.

“In my opinion the recoveries will be fundamental. Milan, and we have always said it with great respect, is no longer that of Gattuso, Seedorf, Nesta… In that team the champions won their matches. The champions of Milan are the game and the identity,” he said.

“They lost them a bit because they had lost men, and therefore always playing the same… It had never happened in the history of football to play so many games in so few days. By recovering men and condition, some will be able to have less playing time and more rest.

“For me, the key player to recover is Calabria: this way you find balance in defence, put Kalulu back in the center and with one move you make three. The Tomori-Kalulu couple is one of the best there is in Europe.

“And then you free up more space for Theo Hernandez, because taking off balance to the right has often led Theo to be more careful. And let’s not even talk about Maignan… he has to come back as soon as possible. The sum of these things results in having a longer squad.

“Then, in my opinion, Milan lacks a third starting midfielder who can offer a valid alternative to Bennacer, but that’s just my point of view. His hope, for me, is that in these two months Charles De Ketelaere can also make a mental click, as well as Tonali and Leao in the summer of 2021.

“Pioli has zero worries about him. He and the club have no intention of not waiting for him, whether it takes days or weeks. With layers not done and completed, unfortunately, you need to close your eyes and imagine the future before judging them. Because then they blossom, and if they do it at Milan it’s better.”