The former midfielder comments on Milan’s situation, the Napoli-Inter showdown, and the future of Ranieri’s Roma
Milan’s crisis, now out of the Champions League race after the defeat against Bologna, continues to spark debate. In an exclusive interview for ilNewyorkese and Soccer Made in Italy, Gaetano D’Agostino, former midfielder and now an expert analyst, gives his unfiltered perspective on Milan’s struggles, the crucial Napoli-Inter clash, and Ranieri’s Roma’s hopes.
With the defeat against Bologna, is Milan definitively out of the Champions League race? Who is most responsible for this crisis?
«Bologna fully deserved the victory against Milan, both for their rhythm and ideas on the field. They won every second ball. I see a Milan without identity, without a united locker room, without a group of leaders capable of guiding the team. There are only pseudo-leaders, like Theo Hernandez and even Leao. The only true technical leader, in terms of seriousness and attitude, is Pulisic. The others are all potentially strong players but unfortunately, they are not delivering.
There was a coaching change, there was the Super Cup victory, and it was thought that with Conceicao they could finally find a balance, giving the team an identity even in terms of grit. Instead, it’s been a disastrous season for Milan. The club itself seems to be struggling, and the presence of Ibrahimovic, with a team lacking real leaders, weighs like a burden. Ibrahimovic is an overwhelming character, and without a strong, charismatic squad, he ends up stifling the growth of others.
For their performances, technical management, and club leadership, Milan deserves to be out of the Champions League. I don’t see any short-term recovery unless they clarify the internal dynamics of the locker room and the responsibilities at the managerial level.»
Napoli vs. Inter: Is this Napoli’s last chance to stay in the title race?
«I don’t think it’s the last chance for Napoli, but it’s certainly a crucial match. If they win, they would get back on track after three consecutive draws and a loss. On the other hand, if Inter wins, they would go +4 and give a decisive push to the championship, making it very difficult to catch them.
Inter, in terms of squad depth, is undoubtedly the strongest team in the league, but Napoli has everything it takes to make a statement in this match. Both teams, if victorious, would send a very strong message to their direct rivals, so I expect a highly intense game.»
Is Roma vs. Como the definitive test to see if Ranieri’s Roma is truly capable of returning to the European race?
«It will be a very tough game for Roma because Como has dangerous characteristics, especially from the three-quarters forward. They have technically skilled players, quick and capable of short exchanges. This is the type of play that Roma struggles with.
I think Roma can bring home the three points, but they must set the tone of the match right from the start, imposing a high rhythm from the first minutes. If they don’t, they risk complicating things against a team that knows how to exploit its technical qualities well.»
