Cafu feels Daniele De Rossi can become Roma‘s Sir Alex Ferguson but insists Milan‘s Europa League exit would not be a failure.
The Brazilian legend released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of tonight’s Europa League showdown between his former clubs Milan and Roma. The Giallorossi secured a 1-0 win at San Siro last week.
“The show at the Olimpico is always guaranteed; it’s a unique fanbase. Ask any player who has ever played there about their feelings when the Roma anthem plays. It will be a very nice game,” said Cafu.
De Rossi can become Roma’s Alex Ferguson, says Cafu
The interview was released this morning before Roma announced De Rossi would remain at the club beyond the summer.
“De Rossi was tactically smart at San Siro by playing El Shaarawy on the right,” said Cafu.
“It must not be surprising given De Rossi’s history as a footballer and what he’s doing as a coach. Let me add that he is a great human being, too. Just think about the Ndicka incident in Udine.
“I remember him well as a young kid. He didn’t talk much, but he listened a lot,” continued the Brazilian.
“Surely, he’s had an excellent family that has given him balance. I think he has all the qualities to play an even more important role, becoming for Roma what Sir Alex Ferguson was for Manchester United.”
Cafu: Milan’s potential UEL exit not a failure
On the other hand, Stefano Pioli is under pressure at Milan and multiple sources in Italy claim that the Italian tactician and the Rossoneri will part company in the summer if they fail to qualify for the Europa League semi-finals tonight. However, Cafu feels Milan’s elimination would not be a failure.
“Not at all! Only one team wins in the end, and Pioli has already won the title [in 2022],” he said.
“Teams that reach the final stages of European competitions are all strong, and when they are eliminated, it doesn’t mean they failed. Milan has been playing consistently in European competitions; they can’t be criticised if they are eliminated.”
Milan sit second in the Serie A table and play in the Europa League after facing elimination from the Champions League group phase this past December. Pioli’s contract at San Siro runs out in June 2025.