Former Milan and Italy striker Alberto Gilardino warns the Rossoneri about Mohamed Salah but insists Stefano Pioli’s side can create trouble for Liverpool.
In their first Champions League game in more than seven years, the Rossoneri face Liverpool at Anfield Road on Wednesday.
Gilardino, a 2006 Italy World Cup winner, faced the Reds in the 2007 Champions League Final, seeing the Rossoneri get their revenge two years after the Final they had lost in Istanbul.
“That was a consolidated group of champions, with the best players in the world. Carlo Ancelotti was exceptional, for technical values and mentality,” Gilardino told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Today everything has changed. This Milan is following a policy that I like, but they must be given time.”
Milan played their last Champions League match against Atletico Madrid in 2014, suffering a 4-1 defeat at the Estadio Calderon.
They will meet Liverpool at Anfield Road for the first time in history next week.
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“Milan will suffer, but they also know how to create trouble for the Reds,” Gilardino said.
“The Rossoneri will play a great game. Who I fear most is Momo Salah, he was my teammate in Florence and I like [Jurgen] Klopp, he is a practical and direct coach.
“Stefano Pioli was my coach at Bologna and today he has even more experience,” Gilardino added.
“He will know how to deal with the intensity of their opponents and slow them down.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is returning from an injury and is expected to start against Liverpool after collecting a few minutes in the game against Lazio.
“Ibra is like a rock. The body is important, but you can only reach that level at his age if you have ambition.”
But can he play with Olivier Giroud?
“Yes, they can. Ibra is the one who goes around the pitch and knows how to set up his teammates.
“Giroud is a finisher and his international experience speaks for him, but it will be crucial to have a balanced team to see them play together.”
Stefano Pioli’s side host Lazio at San Siro on Sunday before their match against Liverpool.
Gilardino: “Milan, la roccia Ibra e Pioli sono le tue armi per Liverpool” https://t.co/h2rmW5EptR
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) September 10, 2021