Former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi believes Milan should sign more Italian players because foreigners ‘struggle’ to adapt quickly while Inter must ‘evolve’ and Juventus have to rediscover ‘fighting spirit.’
The 77-year-old shared his view on the transfer activity of the Serie A giants in his latest interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Milan have signed Ruben Loftus-Cheek to replace Sandro Tonali but are also in advanced talks for Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders. However, Sacchi, a former Rossoneri boss, is not entirely convinced about the transfer strategy of his ex-club.
“Honestly, I don’t know Loftus-Cheek much. I hope he will convince me, but from what I’ve seen so far, he hasn’t impressed me,” he said in an interview published on Thursday’s printed edition of the pink paper (page 4).
“I see too many foreign names linked to Milan. I would like to give some advice: sign Italian players, trust me. Foreign players usually struggle to adapt in Italy, only my Dutchmen immediately settled in. They [Milan] must consider that it takes time for foreign players to adapt.”
Does this mean that it was an error to sell Tonali? Not exactly.
“How can you reject similar offers?” noted Sacchi.
“Perhaps even the player, who will earn more, expressed his desire to leave. He’s human after all.”
The Rossoneri are looking for more midfielder reinforcements after Loftus-Cheek, given that Ismael Bennaer will remain out of action for several months with a knee injury.
“The midfield is usually the most important department in a team because it connects attack and defence. It won’t be easy because prices are very high. If Milan want to be successful without spending much, they need clear ideas in terms of playing style.”
The Rossoneri had spoken to Sassuolo about Davide Frattesi, but the Italian has signed with Inter and is expected to be announced by the Nerazzurri on Thursday.
“Inter made a great signing with Frattesi, a player with a bright future which I know well,” said Sacchi.
“The Nerazzurri must evolve their playing style and I hope it happens, especially in Europe.”
Juventus have signed Timothy Weah from Lille and extended with Adrien Rabiot but are now focusing on sales before making new signings. Sacchi believes it’s still too early to comment on their transfer campaign.
“It’s hard to judge them now,” he admitted. “Juventus must rebuild and rediscover the fighting spirit they’ve always had.”