Alessandro Florenzi sees similarities between Milan’s Scudetto and the Italy side that won EURO 2020, while joking about comparing Giorgio Chiellini to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. ‘One beats you up on the field, the other off it.’
The Azzurri are preparing for the Finalissima against Copa America winners Argentina at Wembley Stadium on June 1, then begin the Nations League group stage by facing Germany on June 4 and 14, Hungary on June 7 and England on June 11.
Florenzi was part of the side that won EURO 2020 over the summer and insists he sees definite comparisons between that unexpected victory and Milan’s Scudetto.
“I’ve been saying for a while that I saw many analogies between Milan and the Nazionale that won the Euros,” noted the veteran in his press conference.
“They didn’t understand why, but that’s because they haven’t experienced the things I’ve been through and I could sense there was something happening. I was happy to be right in the end.
“In all teams there has to be a mix of experience and youth. I found many talented young players at Milan who can become champions in future, but at times experience does help.”
The Scudetto victory parade was slightly marred by Paolo Maldini’s comments to La Gazzetta dello Sport, warning that he could move on if the club’s owners do not commit to taking the next step forward.
“Maldini and (fellow director Ricky) Massara are the foundations of this title victory, along with the coach. They are very important figures who can do even better at Milan.
“After all, a Milan without Maldini is a bit like Roma without Totti and De Rossi.”
Of course, Roma currently do not have Francesco Totti or Daniele De Rossi in their club hierarchy and practically pushed them both out by refusing to offer new contracts.
Florenzi was also asked if he sees similarities between the presence of Chiellini and Ibrahimovic in the locker room.
“You could say that, yes. In another way they are very different, because one beats you up on the pitch, the other off it,” he joked.
“In terms of charisma, they are very similar. Chiellini is a legend of Italian football, we will miss his charisma, his smile, his speeches and his sense of calm. We want to wave goodbye to him on Wednesday with a victory.
“People talk about his grit, but that smile he had on his face with Jordi Alba going into extra time with Spain, that gave you such a sense of reassurance, that it was all going to be fine.”
Prepping for the 𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓶𝓪 ✨💪#VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/mwZcesdtmd
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) May 27, 2022