Former Italian international striker Alessandro Matri recently spoke to the media during a charity event at Viola Park. He shared his views on various topics, including the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri, potentially working alongside Cristiano Tare, at AC Milan.
“Perhaps I am the least suitable person to comment on this, as he [Allegri] is the coach who significantly influenced my development, and he will be working with a director who was instrumental in bringing me to play under him,” Matri stated. “I believe it forms a positive partnership, but there is clearly work ahead, especially considering the season that just concluded wasn`t the best. However, I feel quite optimistic about the individuals who have now joined Milan.”
What would the potential arrival of Luka Modric mean?
“Firstly, Italian football would welcome one of the true phenomena of recent decades. Beyond being an absolute champion, Modric is a player with immense personality. He would serve as a crucial guiding figure for this Milan squad, a team that truly requires players possessing charisma and strong character.”
Regarding the managerial change at Fiorentina (Vincenzo Italiano`s departure)?
“I haven`t closely followed the specific developments. However, Fiorentina`s season was undoubtedly positive; they secured qualification for the Conference League and achieved their highest points total in recent years in a single campaign, especially considering the numerous changes the squad underwent. Reaching a significant objective like European qualification immediately is never simple. While it`s understandable that fans might have had higher expectations, a good job was done in the first year. On the other matters surrounding the change, I lack information and prefer not to comment.”
What is your assessment of Moise Kean?
“He had an excellent season and demonstrated tremendous potential. He hadn`t had positive seasons recently, partly because he wasn`t playing regularly. His successful year is a testament to the coach`s efforts; credit goes to the club for believing in him, the coach for developing him, and the team environment for helping him thrive.”
What are your thoughts on Maurizio Sarri and Stefano Pioli (and their roles in Serie A)?
“Both represent significant figures and are great coaches who have achieved success at various clubs, including places like Florence and Lazio (Sarri) or Milan and Florence (Pioli). Sarri certainly left his mark and is a manager of great value. Pioli accomplished great things during his previous spell at Florence, not just tactically and technically, but also on a human level (referring to his leadership during the difficult year following Davide Astori`s tragedy). I believe he is one of the suitable candidates for a top role in Serie A.”
