Donadoni expects ‘aggressive game’ from Napoli in ‘litmus test’ for Milan

Roberto Donadoni has given his thoughts on the current state that AC Milan are in, ahead of tonight’s big match against Napoli at the Maradona.

Donadoni joined Milan from Atalanta in 1986 and stayed for 10 years in his first spell, making over 250 appearances and winning virtually every major honour.

He spent a year in the United States before coming back to the Rossoneri, while he also embarked on a coaching career which saw him take the helm at Napoli.

Milan are some way off the levels that he remembers from the late 1980s into the 1990s, but they will be hoping to spring a surprise tonight against title-chasing Napoli.

Donadoni spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport published on the day of the game in Naples, and he offered his take on events at Milan while also previewing the match.

Tactically, what kind of match will Napoli-Milan be tonight?

“It’s difficult to ‘invent’ something since each team knows the characteristics of the other. I don’t know what choices the two coaches will make regarding the starting lineups, but at this moment it seems clear to me that Napoli has a more defined identity and playing philosophy.

“I think the Azzurri will want to play their aggressive game to take away time and space from Milan, also because when they are attacked the Rossoneri have often shown problems so far.

“I hope that it won’t be like that and that the pressure from Conte’s team will allow Conceiçao to exploit the spaces to counterattack.”