Rossoneri Round-up for 13 May: Gattuso: “We must qualify for Europa League”

Gennaro Gattuso laid down the gauntlet for the team, saying that Milan “must qualify” for the Europa League.

At the press conference, Gattuso said

On my side, I tried to stay calm because we still have two more Finals to play in Serie A. I told my players to put the defeat behind and focus on this. We are AC Milan and we have the duty to classify to Europa League.

We are the team that has played the most in Italy: 57 games in 52 weeks. If we finish in 7th place we will have to be back here around 11th June, with six preliminaries matches to play. This way, the Serie A just starts and you are already tired. Qualifying directly is very important but I definitely prefer to play the Europa League rather than staying at home

Is the Europa League worth it? A lot of teams don’t make it a priority, but honestly, wouldn’t you rather have the team involved in some kind of European competition rather than not at all? At least you have a shot for some silverware and European glory, even if it’s not the European glory that you want. The pressure and experience of European competition will help build the team up.

On to the links.

AC Milan and Italian Football Links

Looks like no Champions League at the San Siro next season, as Inter Milan lost to Sassuolo and ended their chances at a top four spot. [Serpents of Madonnina]

Alisson has been responsible for a number of points for AS Roma this season. [Chiesa di Totti]

Perugia are reportedly looking to appoint former Milan legend Alessandro Nesta as manager. [Football-Italia.net]

World Football Links

Hamburger SV fans disrupted the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach yesterday as relegation was confirmed despite Hamburg winning 2-1. [Sky Sports]

Real Madrid blew the doors off of Celta Vigo, winning 6-0. [Managing Madrid]

Borussia Dortmund lost to Hoffenheim, but still managed to back into a Champions League spot because Bayer Leverkusen lost. [Fear The Wall]

Sam Allardyce is prepare to get boos from both Everton and West Ham United fans today. [The Guardian]

A look at Rui Faria, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho’s right-hand man. [These Football Times]