Vincenzo Montella was glad Milan swept Craiova aside to thank the fans for “a show of deep love for the team” and welcoming back Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Rossoneri beat Craiova 2-0 on the night, 3-0 on aggregate, to reach the Europa League play-offs.
“I am really very satisfied and the new players settled in pretty quickly, so it is a wonderful night and the fans deserved it for the love they have shown us in pre-season,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
Vincenzo Montella was glad Milan swept Craiova aside to thank the fans for “a show of deep love for the team” and welcoming back Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Rossoneri beat Craiova 2-0 on the night, 3-0 on aggregate, to reach the Europa League play-offs.
“I am really very satisfied and the new players settled in pretty quickly, so it is a wonderful night and the fans deserved it for the love they have shown us in pre-season,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“The fans put on a show of deep love for the team, packing the stands on August 3 in extraordinary heat against a not very prestigious opponent. We hope to have many more evenings like this and will work hard to make it happen.”
There were concerns as to how the crowd would greet Donnarumma after his transfer request over the summer and then decision to sign a new contract instead, but there was warm applause.
“I don’t know if it was a split in the first place, but we are like parents with Donnarumma – the fans gave him a slap and couldn’t wait to embrace him again once they made up,” continued Montella.
Patrick Cutrone scored this evening, but the teenage forward is set to remain as part of the Milan squad.
“It was a very young spine to the squad today and I have no intention of sending Cutrone away. I believe he can grow a great deal staying here at Milan, but the only chance of an exit would depend on the transfer market.
“Carlos Bacca is an international level player and we can’t think he is suddenly worthless. I made certain clear choices, but he remains a Milan player and part of our club, so he might have to be ‘sacrificed’ or monetised, but remains a great player.
“The transfer strategy has been excellent and done very quickly too. We’ve got some very young and talented players like Hakan Calhanoglu, Ricardo Rodriguez, Andre Silva and Mateo Musacchio, who all have a bright future ahead of them.”
When will Milan see Lucas Biglia?
“I think probably the next game.”