Milan director Paolo Maldini assures the Scudetto might’ve been ahead of schedule, but ‘this team was not built to have a big campaign and disappear, we invested in youth to develop over time.’
The Derby della Madonnina against arch-rivals Inter kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“It was a triumphant season, something we were not entirely expecting. The team was not built to just have a big campaign and then disappear, we invested in youth to help them grow and develop over time,” Maldini told DAZN.
There have been changes off the field, as RedBird completed the takeover this week and their representatives are in the stands, including Gerry Cardinale.
“The sensation speaking with them is that they believe in our project and will continue to take the same approach we did, which is a sustainable club in modern football, not going beyond our capabilities. That’s logical for any business and football is no different.”
The only new signing in the starting XI for either side this evening is Charles De Ketelaere, so was Maldini surprised to see the 21-year-old Belgian already thrown into the fray for his first Milan Derby?
“De Ketelaere has already played in the Champions League, he seems suited to the big stage, so the coach evaluated everything and made this decision.”
Still, the lack a modern 65.000 seater stadium. But many great talents. And a handfull of GREAT players.