Milan legend Alessandro Nesta tells Malick Thiaw to ‘always remain focused’ against Harry Kane but expects more from Rafael Leao and Brahim Diaz and praises ‘special’ Antonio Conte.
The 2006 Italy World Cup winner previewed Wednesday’s Champions League match between Milan and Tottenham in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Despite being a former defender, I think Milan should try to score a goal. I would attack rather than defend, these are also Milan’s characteristics,” he said.
“I would try to cause trouble for the opponent, especially now that they are not in their best moment.
“Milan defenders are very good when they play with a high line but tend to struggle when they defend inside the box.”
Thiaw was one of the best players in the first leg at San Siro. What does Nesta make of the German centre-back?
“He’s a good player who was ready when needed,” he said.
“I’ve heard people complain because he should have played earlier, but I think that a period of hard work in training was useful for him. He is not too fast, but he is the right profile. He wasn’t too expensive and will become an important and valuable player.”
Any suggestion to man-mark Kane?
“He must be focused at all times. Opponents forgive nothing in the Champions League, it’s a ruthless competition.
“Milan are ready for this game, but I expect more from Diaz and Leao,” continued Nesta.
“They have a good chance after the victory at San Siro, but it’s never easy to play in English stadiums.”
Conte returned to London on Sunday and will guide his Tottenham side from the touchline against Milan on Wednesday. Could he make the difference against the Rossoneri?
“Absolutely, Antonio shifts the balance, he is special,” concluded Nesta.
Conte and Nesta know each other well and off the pitch. They played in one international competition together, UEFA Euro 2000, which had a bitter end for the Azzurri coached by Dino Zoff losing the Final against France with David Trezeguet’s Golden Goal.