Former Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi believes an Italian side could win the Champions League this season. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi previewed all five Serie A sides in the competition, explaining what he expects from each match:
Juventus-PSV
Tuesday, 18:45
Dutch teams are generally difficult to face. We must not forget that they have the sense of play and collective in their DNA, being the first to develop modern football. PSV will give Juventus a hard time. In the league, the Dutch have won five out of five matches, they’re going very strong. Juventus, on the other hand, after a good start, has collected two draws. In Empoli, as well as at home against Roma before the break, they appeared too slow. Thiago Motta’s team is young, it takes time to assimilate mentality and schemes. But Motta is a great coach and his boys can only grow. I believe that ups and downs are part of the normal path that Juventus must face. Take Koopmeiners: he hasn’t played at his usual levels, but it’s right to give him time to settle in, he’s just arrived. If anything, against PSV, Vlahovic should be left less alone up front. The team must accompany the action with many men. It’s difficult to make a prediction. At this moment, when teams are still under construction and coaches are working to fix all the details, I don’t think Juventus is favored. It’s an open duel. Watch out for De Jong and Til, they’re in great shape.
Milan-Liverpool
Tuesday, 21:00
I saw Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. It’s true that they lost at Anfield, but it’s equally true that before conceding the goal, they had at least three clear chances to take the lead. This is to say that it’s not a team in disarray or crisis. If anything, it’s right to emphasize that, after the Jurgen Klopp era, it now takes time to metabolize the ideas of the new coach Slot. In terms of quality, however, the English are very strong and also have considerable physical energy. I’m curious to see how Fonseca’s Milan will face the Reds. Against Venezia, the Rossoneri improved, but we must always take into account the value of the opponent, which wasn’t exceptional. I think it’s a very important match, both for Milan and for Liverpool, and also open. Let’s see if Leao understands what needs to be done in European football, and if he avoids taking breaks during the match. In the Champions League, you can’t isolate yourself on the wing, as sometimes happens to him, you must always be inside the action, connected with your teammates, active in the ball area. If you leave the dominance of the game to the opponents, in international matches it’s painful, because everyone has quality players who can find the winning idea.
