Gullit explains Milan ‘must’ beat Inter to Coppa Italia and how to fix their ‘DNA’ | OneFootball

Legendary former Milan midfielder Ruud Gullit feels that the Rossoneri ‘must win the Coppa Italia’ if they are to ‘save the season’ after a turbulent time across the 2024-25 campaign so far.

Milan will play ‘away’ against rivals Inter in San Siro for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday night. The scores are level at 1-1 after goals from Tammy Abraham and Hakan Calhanoglu in the first leg.

Gullit, speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, explained why beating Inter and then going on to win in the Coppa Italia final is essential for the Rossoneri this term.

He also went on to assess the relationship between the club and its supporters, the current lack of ‘identity’ and how Liverpool can be an example for the team moving forwards.

“Milan must win the Coppa Italia is they want to save the season. Because it’s a trophy, and because it opens the doors to the Europa League, which is currently closed off,” Gullit told Gazzetta.

9 Dec 1992: AC Milan Players Demetrio Albertini, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Marco Van Basten form a wall in the European Cup match against PSV Eindhoven. AC Milan won the match 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Chris Cole/Allsport

“I know that we’re speaking about titles, and they already won the Supercoppa this year, but that was a surprise. And I’m not saying that it’s already been forgotten, but it was isolated, it is a memory.

“The fans are not happy. They are not happy with the team’s play. A bit like what’s happening at Chelsea, another club I’m fond of, who are also in the hands of American owners and are also looking at their DNA. The fans are wondering: ‘What is happening?’”

Gullit explains how to fix Milan: Liverpool, Klopp and Slot example

VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 17: Giorgio Furlani CEO of AC Milan interacts with Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The Dutchman went on to explain what Milan need to do if they are to bring the fans back on board and return to winning ways.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I was there before Christmas for the Genoa game and it was horrible. The Milan players struggle to accept this reality, they don’t recognise it.

“I was talking about DNA because it’s important if you want to rediscover your essence. I think of Liverpool: Klopp left, they took Slot, but didn’t reinvent themselves. People recognise the distinctive features of their club. Milan have to decide what they want to be, and then take the coach and players to put that idea into practice.”

In contrast to Milan, Gullit believes that Inter have cracked the code, which is why they have been able to compete at the top of the Serie A table and in the Champions League over multiple seasons.

He described the Nerazzurri as: “An excellent team, (they have) a very precise and identifiable philosophy on and off the pitch. Everyone knows how Inter play and what to expect, on and off the pitch.”