**Ex-Rossoneri Head Coach Slams AC Milan & Juventus: “Not At Inter Leve”**
In a striking critique of two of Italy’s most storied football clubs, former AC Milan head coach, who led the club in various capacities during the past decade, has launched an outspoken attack on both AC Milan and Juventus, claiming that neither team is currently operating at the same level as their city rivals, Inter Milan. The scathing remarks come amid a turbulent period for both Milan and Juventus, as both clubs struggle to find their form in Serie A and European competition.
The former coach, who gained significant recognition during his tenure at Milan, expressed disappointment over the direction of the two giants, criticizing their management, recruitment strategies, and inability to match the competitive energy that Inter Milan has been able to foster under coach Simone Inzaghi. He argued that while Inter has demonstrated consistent improvement and tactical astuteness in recent seasons, both Milan and Juventus have been left lagging behind, failing to make the necessary strides in a rapidly changing footballing landscape.
### The Context of the Criticism
AC Milan and Juventus, long considered two of Italy’s most successful and powerful football clubs, have experienced significant upheavals in recent years. After their respective dominant eras, which saw Juventus claim multiple consecutive Serie A titles and Milan revel in European glory in the early 2000s, both clubs have struggled to replicate that level of success in recent seasons.
AC Milan’s fortunes have improved in the past few years under the leadership of Stefano Pioli, especially with the club’s Serie A triumph in the 2021-2022 season. However, they have yet to return to their former heights, particularly in European competition, where their progress has been inconsistent. Milan’s ability to challenge in Europe, despite their financial limitations and squad limitations compared to the elite clubs, has come under scrutiny.
Juventus, on the other hand, has faced a turbulent period marked by off-field controversies and inconsistent performances. The club’s fall from grace has been highlighted by managerial changes, financial scandals, and a decrease in overall competitiveness. While Juventus remains a potent force in Serie A, their failure to secure a Champions League title in recent years and lack of real progress in the European stage has raised questions about their long-term ambitions.
### Inter Milan: The New Standard?
While both Milan and Juventus have faced challenges, Inter Milan has emerged as the team with the most consistent growth in recent years. Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter has not only won the Serie A title in the 2020-2021 season but has also shown impressive resilience in European competitions, culminating in a strong Champions League campaign in 2023, where they reached the final. This rise has been largely attributed to a well-balanced squad, effective recruitment, and a tactical setup that has allowed the club to compete at the highest level.
The former AC Milan head coach’s comments about Inter Milan being “on a different level” reflect the growing gap between the three clubs, with Inter’s strategic planning, solid defense, and potent attacking line-up putting them in a stronger position than their rivals. Inter has been able to build a squad with depth and experience, integrating young talent alongside seasoned players, and this blend of experience has been crucial in their sustained success.
### Milan’s Struggles to Build On Success
AC Milan’s progress under Stefano Pioli has been commendable, especially considering the limitations the club has faced in terms of finances and squad depth. However, the former coach pointed out that the club’s inability to consistently build on their Serie A title victory in 2022 has been a setback. Milan has been inconsistent in Europe, and while their squad boasts several talented players, the lack of a cohesive strategy to enhance their depth and quality compared to teams like Inter has been evident.
Milan’s leadership has been under the microscope as the club continues to face financial difficulties, which in turn affect their ability to compete for top-tier signings and maintain a competitive edge. The former coach emphasized that unless Milan can start operating at a higher level, both in terms of player acquisition and tactical growth, they will continue to fall behind their city rivals.
### Juventus: In Crisis?
Meanwhile, Juventus’ problems run deeper. After years of dominance in Serie A, the club has seen its star power and dominance slip significantly, culminating in a series of underwhelming performances both domestically and in Europe. Their inability to secure the league title in recent years, paired with their failure to make significant progress in the Champions League, has left the club’s future uncertain.
The former Milan manager specifically noted that Juventus’ organizational crisis, which included the resignation of key executives and issues related to financial fair play, had severely hampered the club’s ability to perform at a high level. The lack of direction at the top of the club has translated to a lack of clear identity and consistent tactical approaches on the field, leaving them vulnerable to clubs like Inter Milan, who seem to be lightyears ahead in terms of strategic and footballing development.
### The Way Forward for Milan and Juventus
While the criticism has been harsh, it also comes with a call to action for both Milan and Juventus to reassess their current situations. Milan’s leadership will need to focus on player development, investing in young talent, and building a more competitive squad if they are to close the gap on Inter. Juventus, for their part, will need to rebuild both structurally and on the pitch to recover their place at the top of Italian football. Their future success may hinge on restoring organizational stability and finding a long-term managerial solution that can reinvigorate their squad.
The former head coach concluded by stating that, despite the challenges facing both clubs, Milan and Juventus have the historical pedigree and financial power to eventually mount a serious challenge to Inter’s dominance. However, it will require a complete overhaul in mindset, recruitment, and footballing philosophy to once again compete at the highest level.
As the Serie A season continues, it remains to be seen whether AC Milan and Juventus can rise to the challenge, or whether Inter Milan will continue their reign as the dominant force in Italian football.
