Former Roma and Milan full-back Marcos Cafu previewed the match between his two former sides this evening. The Rossoneri and Giallorossi face off at San Siro, in what is a bit of a derby of the heart for the Brazilian. Six seasons in the capital from 1997 to 2003, five in Milan from 2003 to 2008. “Unforgettable years,” sighs the former full-back while speaking with Gazzetta dello Sport.
When asked to choose a memorable match for each team, Cafu recalls, “I’ve played many, but it’s easy: in Roma colours, I’d say the 1-1 draw at the Olimpico that brought us closer to the 2001 Scudetto. Montella equalized with a great lob. In Milan colours, the 1-0 win signed by Shevchenko in 2004 at San Siro, which gave us the title in the direct clash.”
Regarding the current situation of both teams, Cafu admits, “It’s undeniable that I expected more from both Milan and Roma. But there’s still more than half a season left, in my opinion, Milan can get back in the race, especially if they win tonight.”
Anticipating an open and entertaining match, Cafu adds, “Both teams have the obligation to win, the standings say so: they can’t make any more mistakes. Then for my heart, a 3-3 draw with a point each would be fine (laughs).”
On Milan’s Scudetto chances, Cafu believes in the team’s potential. “Milan has very strong players like Leao, Reijnders, Theo Hernandez, Maignan, Morata, and others. They won big against Inter and Real Madrid, and it can’t have been a coincidence. If anything, the problem is something else – consistency. It’s all a matter of mentality.”
Regarding his friend De Rossi’s short stint at Roma, Cafu opines, “Certainly [they didn’t give him enough time]. Daniele had done well taking over from Mourinho in the last months of last season. This season he was sent away after a few games. What sense does that make? Those who know football have noticed De Rossi’s qualities: he’s young and will be a coach to watch in the future.”
On the topic of Dybala’s potential departure from Roma, Cafu expresses confusion. “I don’t understand why. Paulo has a left foot that you rarely see around, Roma should keep him close. Since the summer, this dance has been going on: he’s going, he’s staying, he’s leaving, he’s remaining. You know who it hurts most? Dybala himself, who should only be thinking about the pitch.”
Addressing comparisons between himself and Emerson Royal, Cafu is quick to differentiate. “Stop right there. Emerson Royal can’t be compared to me because we interpret the role very differently. Emerson is very strong. He simply isn’t a full-back with great attacking drive like I was or Roberto Carlos. He has other tasks and he fulfills them well, the fans should be calm.”
On the current form of Theo Hernandez and Leao, Cafu suggests it’s more a mental than physical issue. “We’re talking about top professionals, a change of coach can’t justify a wrong attitude. Hernandez and Leao are among the best in Italy, they just need to enter the field with the right mentality and the rest comes by itself.”
When asked about his Scudetto prediction, Cafu surprises by backing Atalanta. “I like to think it’s Atalanta’s year. Everyone thinks it’s a surprise, but they’ve been doing well with Gasperini for seven years.”
Finally, Cafu recommends a Brazilian talent for Italian clubs: “Raphael Veiga, left-footer from Palmeiras. He’s not very young anymore (29 years old), but it’s incredible that he’s never played in Europe: he has extraordinary talent.”
