Milan Coach Vincenzo Montella admits “we’re facing a Scudetto contender” ahead of the Napoli game.
The Rossoneri got their season off to a winning start against Torino last weekend, while tomorrow’s opponents were held at Pescara.
Despite that, the former Fiorentina boss is wary of a trip to San Paolo.
“We’re facing a team which is competing for the Scudetto,” Montella warned in his pre-match Press conference.
Milan Coach Vincenzo Montella admits “we’re facing a Scudetto contender” ahead of the Napoli game.
The Rossoneri got their season off to a winning start against Torino last weekend, while tomorrow’s opponents were held at Pescara.
Despite that, the former Fiorentina boss is wary of a trip to San Paolo.
“We’re facing a team which is competing for the Scudetto,” Montella warned in his pre-match Press conference.
“It’s a team which has lost Higuain but strengthened in other departments. They’re continuing with their football philosophy, so from that point of view they’re ahead [of us].
“This is a very important match in terms or our ambition and our competiveness. I want to evaluate the performance more than the result. I want to see a team with personality, courage and confidence.
“We need to take the principles we’ve been working on into the match. Knowing that matches aren’t a binary thing, but are made up of lots of mini-battles is what I like to think defines me and my teams.
“We need to know how to play well.
“Higuain? He’s a player who makes you lose a few hours of sleep, on the whole I’m glad he won’t be there.”
Despite the win on the opening day, Montella warned his players not to allow themselves to drop off.
“I think in the past Milan have played great games and then had a drop in intensity for the next game. I want to work on that.
“We have to put Torino behind us, we received too many congratulations in view of what we still have to do.
“Of course it’s nicer to start with a win, though that can make you lose a little concentration, something which doesn’t appear to have happened.
“The real answer comes on the pitch though, the training sessions are just a test to prepare for that. So I’ll give you my answer tomorrow after the game.”
The tactician attracted criticism for targeting the Europa League, with many fans believing it shows a lack of ambition for such a big club.
“I hope I can change that goal, but it usually takes about 10 matches to determine the table that’s emerging. There will be time to think about other things.
“We’re only taking our first steps, we can’t even think about the Europa League, first and foremost we have to think about the principles of our game. We have to grow in every area.”
Finally, Montella was asked about the club’s decision to reject an offer from Chelsea for Alessio Romagnoli.
“The final choice is up to the club, and that’s why I’m very happy they made the decision which they did.
“They felt that Alessio was irreplaceable, he can grow so much. I hope that he’s calm and won’t have been distracted by this market talk.
“Knowing him I’m sure that won’t happen and he’ll be focused.”