The international break brings with it reflections, analyses and debates. And who better than Alessandro “Billy” Costacurta, a legend of the Rossoneri defence, to speak about AC Milan with authority and passion? The former defender gave an interview to Corriere.it, in which he shared his views on Rúben Amorim, the team’s current form and some individual players.
Concern After Benfica, Hope After Lecce
Costacurta did not hide his initial misgivings: «After the Benfica game, I was worried. I couldn’t see Amorim finding ways to trouble the opponent or look for depth. Honestly, I could have played at 60 years old — the defenders were never asked to sprint. The Portuguese side played almost at a stroll».
Those are strong words, but they were balanced by what he saw in the victory over Lecce: «I saw a different Milan compared to recent years — a proactive Milan that looks promising. I think it’s a bit early to judge, but the team sent positive signals in the right direction. Amorim wants to win back San Siro and can do so with verticality in the game and mutual support within the squad. I noticed these messages in flashes, but deep down I see the light».
The Sacchi Comparison: Stimulating but Nuanced
One of the most compelling parts of the interview concerns the increasingly popular comparison between Amorim and Arrigo Sacchi. Costacurta addresses it with characteristic clarity: «The first two months are always very difficult. I remember that even Sacchi was at risk of being fired early on. It’s right to give Amorim time. However, comparing Amorim to Sacchi is a bit excessive — they come from different eras and different clubs. Can you really compare Silvio Berlusconi’s Milan to the current one owned by Gerry Cardinale? These are completely opposite philosophies, owners and financial backers».
The former Rossoneri stopper points out that the club’s structure at the time was at the highest level — with Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani — and that Sacchi too was given the time to make mistakes and grow before leading one of the most iconic sides in Italian and European football history. The implicit message is clear: patience is a necessary virtue, but contexts must not be confused.
Pavlović and Loftus-Cheek: A Clear-Cut Verdict
Costacurta also weighs in on two players who have divided opinion among Rossoneri fans in recent weeks. On Strahinja Pavlović, the verdict is blunt: if the Serbian defender keeps making serious marking errors — as has already happened on several occasions — he does not deserve a starting shirt. «Pavlović should first take a course on how to mark properly in the box», he said without mincing words.
On Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the tone is more constructive: «He has enormous potential but can do much more. Until he recovers his best physical condition, it’s better he stays on the bench». The physically imposing and technically gifted English midfielder remains one of the most eagerly awaited figures in Amorim’s Milan revival.
A Heartfelt Memory of Franco Baresi
The interview closed with a moving tribute to Franco Baresi, the club’s current vice-president and an eternal symbol of AC Milan: «He was quiet on the outside but had a great desire to share his knowledge with all of us. He left an immense legacy as captain — work ethic, the discipline to become a team, elegance towards opponents, and an attitude of never protesting brazenly. He was truly great».
Words that speak not only of a champion, but of a man — and that confirm why Baresi remains an indispensable reference point for anyone who wears the Rossoneri shirt.
