Ahead of the game between AC Milan and Monza, Paolo Berlusconi – brother of Silvio – spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport and shared his thoughts on the special game.
Milan are hoping to bounce back after the defeat to Napoli with a win and a strong performance against Monza tonight. Paulo Fonseca will have three important players back in the starting XI and with that in mind, it should be an exciting clash at U-Power Stadium.
Interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport, Paolo Berlusconi shared his thoughts on the game, Daniel Maldini’s move to Monza, the future of San Siro and more. He also stated that he won’t be present at the stadium tonight because “I’m rooting for a draw”.
Monza-Milan, then. The game of the soul, especially for you who was vice president of Milan and is the honorary president of Monza…
“Better still: I would call it the game of love. Silvio was and will always be loved, he had it for everyone. For Milan, unconditional. For Monza, for the world of football, for his opponents. He always taught kids to respect others. He did a lot of charity work, but always on the condition of anonymity.”
Milan and Monza, a common thread that passes through Arcore…
“One was the great challenge of a team that was going to Serie B, that he transformed into the strongest in the world. The other, coming from Milan, initially seemed almost irreverent to me. Instead, he immediately fell in love with it, he became passionate about the players. What would have been weekends of suffering without Milan, were once again filled with passion. A crazy journey, thanks also to Galliani: the two of them are a perfect match.”
Berlusconi, Galliani: Maldini’s name almost comes naturally…
“It is very beautiful that we started with Milan and arrived at Monza, thanks also to the savoir-faire of Paolo Scaroni and Milan, who released Daniel Maldini for a minor sum. An act of generosity beautiful to see.”
Is it your intention to keep him?
“His sale is not in the plans, we would like to keep him, but in the logic of today’s football and a certain economic path, we must be ready to sacrifice some players. On the other hand, we have already had to sell players like Di Gregorio, Colpani, Carlos Augusto.”
Provocation: Can you see Daniel at Inter? It’s a rumour that pops up every now and then…
“It would be blasphemy. It was already painful to sell Di Gregorio to Juve, he was the best discovery.”
The first part of the season was more complex than expected for Milan: do you have an explanation?
“After the successes of Milan in the world, it is difficult to continue on that path. There are several components at stake: bad luck, the new coach and so on. Let’s give them time.”
Among the various problems, there is also the management of Leao…
“I don’t understand this guy. A great champion, he’s potentially another Vinicius. However, like Balotelli, he needs to work on his character. He looks indolent. A bit of a stick is fine, but then the carrot has to come too.”
Another topic of the moment: the Rossoneri stadium. Is it worth fighting for San Siro or is it better to definitively switch to San Donato?
“Milan players have experienced too many magical evenings at San Siro. If there was a magic wand to turn it into a proper commercial operation, I say San Siro ten thousand times. There is no match. But only if it could satisfy the financial needs of the club.”
Speaking of the stadium: obviously we will see you on Saturday night in Monza…
“No, I won’t be there. I’m suffering too much. I’m rooting for a draw. My heart is Milanese, but it has also become Monza-based.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 CET and for Milan, a win is a must in order to keep up with the teams at the top of the standings. That’s easier said than done, though, especially when you consider the last encounter at the stadium ended 4-2 in favour of the home side.
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