AC Milan‘s changing fortunes will once again take center stage this weekend when they face a difficult test away to Fiorentina in the Serie A Matchday 7 schedule.
Milan have endured some teething issues under new manager Paulo Fonseca and will need to find a sense of organization and determination when they face ‘La Viola’ at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence on Sunday night. “What do I expect from Milan? That they become a team,” said former ‘Rossoneri’ manager Arrigo Sachi.
“Fonseca must have a clear goal: the players must always be in an active position. This way, they reduce risks and can apply more organized pressing. Additionally, and this is far from trivial, it requires less effort.” The round gets going on Friday night at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, with Napoli hosting Como. The ‘Partenopei’ are finding an identity under combative manager Antonio Conte, who insists that “my only weapon is work.”
epa11619801 AC Milans Christian Pulisic (2-L) celebrates scoring the 0-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between FC Inter and AC Milan, in Milan, Italy, 22 September 2024. EPA/MATTEO BAZZI
The former Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Juventus boss added, “I carry a lot of pressure with me. Having won in the past, people add one and one and get two, and expect this regardless. It’s a responsibility; I don’t shirk from it, but I live it in a serene way. I expect continuity of performance and results, and continuity from the squad.”
Champions Inter Milan, meanwhile, will be in action in the pick of Saturday’s matches when they welcome Torino to the San Siro Stadium. A three-point haul will be expected of the ‘Nerazzurri’, who have gone from strength to strength in the past couple of seasons, with manager Simone Inzaghi believing that winning their 20th Scudetto last season (which allows them to have a second star above their club crest) has fostered even more togetherness and cohesion within his team.
“These wonderful lads went on an extraordinary journey, and the second star will unite us forever,” said Inzaghi. “My thanks go to everyone, from the lads and the players who are no longer part of this group through to the club, which has always been by our side.”
