Former Italy star Christian Vieri praises Paolo Maldini, Stefano Pioli and Frederic Massara suggesting Milan owners should invest more, while Antonio Conte has left his clubs ‘sleepless.’
The ex-Azzurri striker has released an extended interview with Il Corriere della Sera going through the highs and lows of Milanese clubs and Conte’s recent Tottenham departure.
Both Inter and Milan have qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in over a decade but are struggling in Serie A and are still not certain of a top-four finish this season.
“Maldini and Massara have been excellent over the last few years because Milan [owners] spend nothing. They are doing so today and did the same it with the previous owners. Paolo, Massara and Pioli are working miracles, but now owners can no longer hide,” said Vieri.
“They have to clarify their targets. Maldini and Massara are able to sign players thanks to the scouting, their experience and their connections in football. Maldini in particular is listened and respected by every club in the world and has been able to sign players that others wouldn’t even be able to near.”
Things on the other side of Milan are not smoother with the Nerazzurri, who have lost nine games out of 27 in Serie A this season, including the last one against Juventus at San Siro before the international break.
“It’s unacceptable, Inter have a top team and can’t waste so many games,” noted Vieri.
“I expect much more, they can’t be so inconsistent. Benfica [their next Champions League opponents] are a strong side, the Napoli of Portugal. It’s not a coincidence that the architect there is Rui Costa, someone who has been smoking cigarettes and football his entire life. Romelu Lukaku has been absent so far, everyone expected something different.”
Vieri played with Conte during his career at Juventus and the national team, reaching the European Championships Final in 2000, when the Azzurri lost to France.
“Antonio is accustomed to clashing with everyone, it’s his character,” said Vieri.
“If a club hires him, they should not expect someone happy with anything, but they know he is a severe and exigent person. It’s heavy to have him at a club, he leaves you sleepless. There are coaches like him and José Mourinho who are like hammers and demand the best from everyone at all times.
“And then there are those who are happy with anything. Everyone has his view.”