Nesta speaks on Leao situation, emotions of playing Milan and courageous Monza

Ahead of his side hosting AC Milan, Alessandro Nesta has spoken to the press about the current Leao situation and the emotions of meeting the Rossoneri as a coach.

Few names command more respect than Nesta’s at Milan after a 10-year-stint at the club. The central defender played a large part in two Champions League wins, two Scudetti, and several other honours. Which explains why he still feels a large attachment to the club.

Nevertheless, the past must be forgotten about temporarily as he prepares his side for the visiting Rossoneri. So far, the Biancorossi only have managed to attain eight points this season, so a home win against one of the Scudetto favourites would give his side a big boost.

With Monza yet to win at home under Nesta since he arrived in the summer, there will be an added incentive to get a positive result. Today, Nesta spoke with the press about the fixture, and his words have been relayed by Milan News.

Nesta, what did the match with Atalanta leave behind and what will be needed against AC Milan?

“The path we’ve taken speaks for itself. With Venezia we got the approach to the match wrong, instead we have to enter the matches with the right head and create the right atmosphere. With AC Milan we must have the same courage we had in Bergamo against Atalanta.”

Can it be an advantage to return to play right away?

“If it’s an advantage I don’t know, I’ll say after the game. In Bergamo we recovered many players like D’Ambrosio and other players. With three games a week it’s fundamental to have a long squad.”

Do you also plan to play with two forwards?

“At the moment Monza have problems in midfield, and I believe that to play with two in attack we need a larger number in midfield. If you put forward you are missing something at the back, the blanket is short. However Maric and Djuric I would see well together.

“In general those who are strong play. If a player is always sure to play perhaps unconsciously he may also drop. The other day Vignato had a great game, and who expected that? We must try to create the right competition between the players.”

Nesta, for you facing AC Milan is also playing against your past. What are the emotions?

“It’s a pleasure, always. I haven’t been in many teams in my life. And it’s always a pleasure to meet AC Milan and Lazio. Montreal and the Indian team will be more difficult. Rafael Leao? When he comes on, Milan comes on. His 100 per cent we haven’t seen yet. Leao is a player who takes his breaks but still determines.

“Milan have many players like that, they are strong. Monza will need courage. Courage grows with results. If you are last, courage is less, it’s normal. You have to be courageous above all on the ball, we have to scare the opponents, but we are growing.”

What’s the status on the injured players?

“Petagna, Sensi, Gagliardini and Forson out. Birindelli on the other hand is back. Pedro Pereira or D’Ambrosio on the flank? In Bergamo with Atalanta Pedro did well. At the back we are short and Danilo D’Ambrosio could not play as a fifth. But in the future we don’t know.”

What will be the choices for the trequartista role? Can Maldini play from the start?

“Two will start and two will come in. We’ve had three matches and we’ve made reasoning about the rotations. Daniel Maldini is to be monitored, to see if he will still have any problems or not.”