Arrigo Sacchi is ‘optimistic’ fans can return in September, claims Juventus have ‘a limit of settling for domestic success’ and ‘hopes’ Paolo Maldini stays at Milan.
Serie A fixtures for the 2019-20 season have yet to resume behind closed doors, but Sacchi is still hopeful supporters in Italy will be let back through the turnstiles sooner rather than later.
“If the contagion curve doesn’t rise, we have to start again,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
Arrigo Sacchi is ‘optimistic’ fans can return in September, claims Juventus have ‘a limit of settling for domestic success’ and ‘hopes’ Paolo Maldini stays at Milan.
Serie A fixtures for the 2019-20 season have yet to resume behind closed doors, but Sacchi is still hopeful supporters in Italy will be let back through the turnstiles sooner rather than later.
“If the contagion curve doesn’t rise, we have to start again,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
“I’m an optimist, I hope the epidemic gives us some respite and that stadia reopen in September.
“However, we have to keep a commitment: if something goes wrong, we have to be ready to reconsider football as the most important of things that are least important.”
The former Milan boss was then asked about the Scudetto race and had some harsh words for Juve.
“Should the season stop permanently, the Scudetto shouldn’t be assigned to anyone.
“In the race between Juve and Lazio, enthusiasm, common sense and perseverance are what will count.
“Lazio don’t lack any of those things, but the difference can come from what Juve are, a club with a character that has been passed through generations and strengthened over time.
“The Bianconeri have a limit, however, which is settling for a history of domestic success, having focused so much on its economic power and ability to dominate the league and contributing less to the growth of our national game.”
Finally, the 74-year-old backed Maldini to remain on the Rossoneri’s board after he was ‘sorry’ to see Zvonimir Boban sacked.
“I’m sorry to see Boban leave. He’s a smart guy, whom I respect very much.
“I hope Maldini will stay but, like Shakespeare said, if you lose your dignity you’ll be miserable for the rest of your life.”