Sampdoria coach Claudio Ranieri expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to “bring a winning mentality” to Milan, but their current struggles are “inexplicable.”
It kicks off on Monday at 14.00 GMT and around 60,000 are expected at San Siro for what should be Ibrahimovic’s debut.
“I hope to start 2020 with a great performance and some points, although facing Ibrahimovic is never a good start to a year!” joked Ranieri in his press conference.
Sampdoria coach Claudio Ranieri expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to “bring a winning mentality” to Milan, but their current struggles are “inexplicable.”
It kicks off on Monday at 14.00 GMT and around 60,000 are expected at San Siro for what should be Ibrahimovic’s debut.
“I hope to start 2020 with a great performance and some points, although facing Ibrahimovic is never a good start to a year!” joked Ranieri in his press conference.
“Milan have a lot of quality players, so their current position in the table is inexplicable. They’ll feel enthusiastic and Ibrahimovic brings a winning mentality. I am absolutely certain Ibra will play, probably from the start. San Siro will be fired up, so we require cool heads.
“We have to replicate our strong performance against Juventus. That mentality of all helping each other out is crucial.”
Alex Ferrari is out for the foreseeable future after knee surgery, so Ranieri admits Sampdoria are looking for reinforcements.
“As things stand, we can’t have more promising players, as we need someone who is ready to deliver now, adapt to our football and our movements. Let’s just say the need for a defender is more pressing now.”