Milan legend Demetrio Albertini insists Andrea Bertolacci ‘needs time’ to settle with the Rossoneri.
The midfielder arrived at San Siro from Genoa this summer in a €20m deal, but has attracted some criticism for his initial performances.
“He needs to adapt,” Albertini, who made over 400 appearances for the Diavolo, told Milan Channel.
Milan legend Demetrio Albertini insists Andrea Bertolacci ‘needs time’ to settle with the Rossoneri.
The midfielder arrived at San Siro from Genoa this summer in a €20m deal, but has attracted some criticism for his initial performances.
“He needs to adapt,” Albertini, who made over 400 appearances for the Diavolo, told Milan Channel.
“Bertolacci had a great season with Genoa, but it was his first year. It’s one thing to play at San Siro as an opponent, it’s another to be judged by fans as demanding as the Rossoneri supporters, an a high-pressure environment like Milan.
“It doesn’t mean that he’s not up to it, he just needs time. Even [Manuel] Rui Costa when he arrived at Milan had initial difficulties compared to when he was at Fiorentina.”
When the players return from the international break, Milan will face Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, and Albertini warns that it’s not just another game.
“The derby is a game unlike any other. It’s a special game for all those with an attachment to Milan like me, even more so for dyed-in-the-wool supporters.
“I think Milan have changed a lot, and the new players need time to settle into a new environment.”