Former Milan midfielder Massimo Donati says Atalanta “are favourites” this weekend, and didn’t see any “top players” signed this summer.
The 36-year-old, who now plays in Scotland with Hamilton Academical, came up through the youth system in Bergamo, before moving on to the Rossoneri in June 2001.
Ahead of the meeting between the two sides on Saturday, the veteran spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about the respective teams.
“The Rossoneri crisis is difficult to explain,” Donati said.
Former Milan midfielder Massimo Donati says Atalanta “are favourites” this weekend, and didn’t see any “top players” signed this summer.
The 36-year-old, who now plays in Scotland with Hamilton Academical, came up through the youth system in Bergamo, before moving on to the Rossoneri in June 2001.
Ahead of the meeting between the two sides on Saturday, the veteran spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about the respective teams.
“The Rossoneri crisis is difficult to explain,” Donati said.
“Eight, nine, 11 of the team have changed but no top players arrived. Atalanta are favourites at San Siro, but Milan have to redeem themselves after Verona.”
Donati still keeps up with the fortunes of his first club too.
“I went to see Everton-Atalanta in the Europa League, it was a five hour drive there and five hours on the way back, but it was worth it.
“When I saw the group I thought it was hard, and the tie with Borussia Dortmund won’t be easy either, but Atalanta have a chance.
“I was hoping they’d meet ‘my’ Celtic, but it didn’t happen. I hope they can meet later in the tournament.”
Donati won the league with Celtic, but why did he return to Scotland with Hamilton?
“Hamilton offered me a trial and then we decided to continue together,” the midfielder shrugged.
“I’m here to take my coaching A licence. Being able to do that while still on the pitch with Hamilton pushed me to choose Scotland.
“I’ll be a mix between [Giampiero] Ventura and [Gian Piero] Gasperini. I already have very clear ideas and I can’t wait to get started.”