Vincenzo Montella admits Riccardo Montolivo is “almost irreplaceable,” but Milan won’t change system after his ACL injury.
The midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Italy’s 1-1 draw with Spain and underwent surgery this morning, ruling him out for five to six months.
“We are very disappointed for Riccardo, because he was in fine form,” Coach Montella told Milannews.it.
Vincenzo Montella admits Riccardo Montolivo is “almost irreplaceable,” but Milan won’t change system after his ACL injury.
The midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Italy’s 1-1 draw with Spain and underwent surgery this morning, ruling him out for five to six months.
“We are very disappointed for Riccardo, because he was in fine form,” Coach Montella told Milannews.it.
“He is very important for us, almost irreplaceable. It’ll be a big loss both on a technical and psychological level. We are all by his side.
“Montolivo is a very important person in the locker room, so yesterday there was a sense of great sadness at Milanello when we heard the news.
“We’ll see who will be the playmaker, there is time to work that out. For now we won’t change system from 4-3-3, because currently we don’t have the players with the characteristics to play with two central midfielders. We’re a bit short.”
Montella was speaking after a 5-0 friendly victory away to Swiss team Chiasso.
“Jose Sosa has already been a playmaker and has the characteristics to do that. We experimented with Suso there in the second half above all to see Sosa as an internal midfielder.”
Manuel Locatelli scored his first Serie A goal and today received his maiden Italy Under-21 call-up, so will the 18-year-old start against Chievo next weekend?
“I don’t know. He is very young, we mustn’t rush him. We’ll see when he gets back from international duty. Alessio Romagnoli’s senior Italy debut was positive and I was in the stands for the Spain match.”
Gianluca Lapadula bagged a brace today against Chiasso, but has barely set foot on the pitch in a Milan jersey this season.
“He did well and approached the game in the right way. When you wear this shirt, you must always give your best.”