Former Milan striker Hernan Crespo believes the Rossoneri can win the Serie A title and hopes they get their revenge against Liverpool in the Champions League.
Milan began their Serie A campaign with back to back wins against Sampdoria and Cagliari and Crespo, a former Milan, Inter and Parma striker, believes Stefano Pioli’s men can go all the way through this season.
“They are ready for the Scudetto, they are not the favourites, but they invested a lot during the summer. It was a smart transfer window and it’s no surprise because my friend Paolo Maldini knows football well,” the former striker told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Juventus and Inter are the two favourites, but Milan can compete. They haven’t won anything for a long time and they want to amaze. This enthusiasm can be like fuel to fill the gap with their opponents.”
Milan will play Champions League football for the first time in seven years. They’ve been drawn in Group B with Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Porto.
Milan prepare for first trip to Anfield in the Champions League
Atletico Madrid is the last opponent they faced in Europe’s elite competition seven years ago, but the Rossoneri will begin their European campaign against Liverpool on September 15 in their first official game at Anfield Road.
Crespo was on the pitch when Milan and Liverpool met in the 2005 Champions League Final with the Rossoneri who, somehow, managed to lose it despite being 3-0 up at halftime.
“It’s still an open wound for me, Liverpool-Milan is the first game Champions League game this season, and you already know what it means to me,” Crespo said.
“I had scored a brace in the first half, I have never forgotten that night and even though Milan already beat Liverpool in the 2007 Final, I’m asking Pioli’s men to beat them at Anfield, get the revenge for me and show who Milan are.”
Crespo spent one season at Milan, scoring 17 goals in 40 appearances. He won one Italian Super Cup during his time with the Rossoneri.