Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi is disappointed that Napoli were eliminated from the Champions League but believes Milan deserved to qualify for the semis.
The ex-Sassuolo tactician shared his view on the accomplishments of Italian clubs in Europe in a brief interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Serie A has five representatives in the three European competitions for the first time in history.
Milan and Inter will meet in the Champions League semis, while Roma and Juventus have qualified for the same round of the Europa League and Fiorentina are in the final four of the Conference League.
“Milan-Inter in the Champions League is always an important match for Italian football. A classic that’s worth a lot,” said De Zerbi.
“Right now, it’s important that Milan and Inter are in the semi-finals of the most important European competition, but also that Roma, Juventus and Fiorentina play the semis in Europa and Conference League.
“It’s a great moment for Italian football, five teams can aim for three trophies and this is something prestigious for our football,” the Italian coach continued.
“On a day of great euphoria, I am sorry for Napoli because Spalletti’s team play fantastic football, but Milan know cups and the Champions League well. They deserved to qualify.”
Napoli suffered a 2-1 loss on aggregate against Milan in their first-ever Champions League quarter-final. The Partenopei remain on top of the Serie A table with a 14-point lead over Lazio and are on the verge of winning their third Scudetto in history.
De Zerbi’s Brighton could play in a European competition next season. They are currently seventh in the Premier League table, seven points behind Newcastle in fourth with a game in hand.