Marco van Basten gives his verdict on Massimiliano Allegri, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan-Barcelona and the “fanatic” Antonio Conte.
Marco van Basten gives his verdict on Massimiliano Allegri, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan-Barcelona and the “fanatic” Antonio Conte.
The Rossoneri legend spoke to Sky Sport Italia on the current state of play in Italian football, as Milan and Juventus go head-to-head for the Scudetto and Coppa Italia.
“Milan are doing well, are top of the table and they seem to me to be the strongest side in Italy,” said van Basten.
“Allegri looks like a very good Coach. We met a few times and he is a good man. I don’t know Conte personally, but he seems a bit fanatic on the bench.”
Ibrahimovic is Capocannoniere in Serie A, but has in his career struggled to make an impact in Europe. He’ll face Leo Messi’s Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.
“He will start to decide games in the Champions League too, as it’s just a coincidence he hasn’t done as well so far. If you score a lot in Italy, then you certainly have the quality to score goals and make the difference in the Champions League too.
“I think the tie with Barcelona will be very interesting. Pep Guardiola has the best team in the world and it won’t be easy for Milan. However, you’d make a big mistake in underestimating the Rossoneri, especially on home turf.
“Messi is the best player in the world, without doubt. Is he the best ever? I don’t know, but if he managed to win the World Cup, then he would be.”
The Dutch legend has signed to take over Heerenveen in June, but has been linked with a future in Italy.
“Obviously I wouldn’t say no to Milan, but I could say the same about Juventus. We are talking about two big clubs in splendid cities.”