Vincenzo Montella weighed in on the ‘emotional’ Europa League quarter-final clash between Roma and Milan, suggesting ‘compactness will be fundamental’ for victory.
The Giallorossi hold a slim 1-0 aggregate lead over the Rossoneri following their first leg meeting last week, where Gianluca Mancini scored the decisive goal at San Siro in the 17th minute. The return match will be held at the Stadio Olimpico on April 18th.
The Europa League quarter-final tie carries an extra meaning to Montella, who famously spent nine years in the Roma first team from 1999 to 2009 before retiring and spending a season in charge of Milan in 2016.
Montella on Roma-Milan
Speaking on page six of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Montella was first asked if Roma and Milan would be up for the task in their Europa League clash.
“Certainly. Two teams in great condition face each other, coming off excellent results and capable of fielding great stars.
“It’ll be very open, emotional, a pinch of good luck and the way in which the two coaches will prepare will matter.”
He spoke highly of Giallorossi coach Daniele De Rossi.
“The impression of a great coach was clear when he played. However, Daniele managed to do everything in a very short time, his arrival had an incredible impact on the Giallorossi. His Roma are courageous but always logical, they have great balance.”
Montella was asked if Stefano Pioli deserves to move forward with Milan.
“He did great things at Milan, the Scudetto, of course, but not only that. He played in a Champions League semi-final and this season he has already achieved qualification for the next one. The club thought about him as they do abroad.
“Take Klopp: he has coached Liverpool since 2015, he has won a Premier League and a Champions League, but there have been seasons where he didn’t go beyond the Round of 16. The work of a coach must be evaluated over the years.”
The Turkey coach commented on Rafael Leao.
“He remains an extraordinary talent. When he has space in front of him, limiting him is almost impossible. Roma succeeded, we’ll see if Rafa can find a solution to make up for it.”
He was asked if Leao or Paulo Dybala was better.
“They are different. And I admit that I have a weakness for Dybala, I see myself in him a little. Even if Paulo plays further from the goal.”
Montella spoke about the qualities of Joshua Zirkzee.
“Extraordinary, he is young but he has everything, technique, physicality, vision of the game. Maybe he needs to grow a little inside the area… he lacks ‘dirty’ goals. But his qualities cannot be doubted.”
He commented on how the Roma-Milan tie could be decided.
“Compactness will be fundamental, this is how Roma prevailed in the first leg.”
Montella discussed Inter’s Hakan Calhanoglu.
“For maturity and reading of situations, he is a top player, among the best in his role. It is difficult to find something in which he doesn’t excel. Logically, he needs the whole team (Turkey, ed.) to support him. You can’t win alone, look at Haaland and his Norway…”
He was asked if he realised the midfielder’s potential at Milan.
“He arrived after several months of inactivity: the talent was evident, but the maturity that he shows today at Inter is the fruit of the work done in recent years.”
The Turkey coach commented on the abilities of Kenan Yildiz.
“He must complete himself, but he has great potential and Juve are ideal for taking off. He has important means, look at his first touch, always oriented towards the opponent’s goal.”
Finally, Montella spoke about Italy ahead of the European Championship.
“Italy are the reigning champions, they will set out to win. In big tournaments we always bring out the best, it’s our history. Challenging Spalletti will be wonderful.”