Milan veteran Demetrio Albertini believes the Rossoneri can aim for third place, and Pippo Inzaghi ‘has everything to make it big’.
Albertini played a prominent role in the golden Milan of the 1990s and was part of the Azzurri team that came second in the 1994 World Cup.
Asked about the current Diavolo’s chances of qualifying for next year's Champions League, the former FIGC Vice-President remains optimistic.
Milan veteran Demetrio Albertini believes the Rossoneri can aim for third place, and Pippo Inzaghi ‘has everything to make it big’.
Albertini played a prominent role in the golden Milan of the 1990s and was part of the Azzurri team that came second in the 1994 World Cup.
Asked about the current Diavolo’s chances of qualifying for next year's Champions League, the former FIGC Vice-President remains optimistic.
“Milan are a work in progress, but I think everything depends on them, on Inzaghi and the players,” Albertini offered to Tuttosport today.
“Other than Juventus and Roma, the other rivals lack continuity and I don't see anyone who excels.
“At this moment, any team, if they can find the right balance, can aim for the third place.
“Inzaghi will have [Riccardo] Montolivo back and this is important – nobody has the quality that he brings to the midfield.”
While Inzaghi has met with some difficulties in his coaching debut on the Milan bench, Albertini thinks it's best not to over-dramatise.
“I think it's necessary to wait. I'm sure that Pippo doesn't want to be considered in a positive light because of his past or in a negative light for his lack of experience.
“Of course, he needs to grow, there will be difficult times and we'll have to see how he confronts them.
“He's trying to get to know his abilities in managing a group that, in my opinion, is a valid one.
“He has everything he needs to make it big as a Coach, he certainly isn't lacking when it comes to passion and love of the sport.”
In spite of all the positives, however, Albertini is still convinced the gap with Roma and Juventus is just too wide.
“These are clubs that have done a better job at scheduling the team's qualitative growth.
“Udinese are another good example of a team that knows how to always stay competitive – they let some of their prized players go, and they already have the turnover ready-made at home.”
Milan are currently sitting sixth in Serie A, only two points off third, and will be playing Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris this Sunday.