Ex-Milan forward Hernan Crespo said Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo would be perfect for Stefano Pioli’s set up but must adapt his mentality.
The Italy international in on the Rossoneri’s summer transfer wish list, according to recent reports, and Crespo said he would improve his former club.
Asked by Gazzetta dello Sport how Zaniolo would fit in at Milan, Crespo said: “Really well. On the right wing, he would be like the cherry on top. However…”
Pushed to elaborate, he added: “Pioli’s Milan won the Scudetto because they had a fantastic team spirit, because everyone helped each other out and that is how they overcame difficulties.
“Zaniolo, if he really does got o Milan, would need to adapt to this spirit. It is he would nee to adapt to Milan, not the other way around.
“He will need to prove himself ready to track down opponents, ready to win back the ball, aggressive in the pressing. For him, it would be a jump in quality which would help him reach his level.”
Zaniolo burst onto the scene with a super 2018-19 season with Roma at the age of 19. However, he then suffered back-to-back serious knee injuries which hampered his development.
He appears to have recovered this campaign and, on Wednesday, scored the winner in the Europa Conference League final against Feyenoord.
Crespo spent one season with Milan, in 2004-05, where he scored twice in the Champions League final when the Rossoneri blew a 3-0 lead to draw and lose on penalties to Liverpool in Istanbul.
The former Argentina international is now manager of Qatari side Al-Duhail.