Davide Calabria will be tasked with keeping Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this evening as the Partenopei will take on AC Milan. It’s a key battle for the game and club legend Alessandro Costacurta is optimistic.
Milan’s encounter with Napoli tonight has been described as an early Scudetto fixture, given how well both teams have started this season (no losses). And while the Rossoneri will be without Rafael Leao, the away side will rely on Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgian international has been on fire lately with four goals and two assists for Napoli. Milan captain Calabria will be tasked with keeping him quiet and Costacurta has shared his thoughts on the battle to Gazzetta Dello Sport (via SempreMilan.it).
“After tonight, we will be able to understand if Milan can win the Scudetto again. Kvaratskhelia? I’m curious to see him against Calabria, who I consider an international-level defender: in the 1v1s, Davide is one of the best in the world.”
It remains to be seen how the battle will end but there is no doubt that Calabria will have to be in good form. Hopefully, Milan will put in a strong team performance and add another win to their tally.
still mancini would not call him up
One of the best one-on-one? Disagree. He is clearly the worst in our backline. Lacks pace, and sometimes even reading of the game (anticipation).
Yes he’s not super fast on that I agree. But he reads the game very well. He is also a far better defender than guys like Trent Alexander Arnold who people consider as a top RB. TAA can cross and run with the best of them but he’s awful defensively as are most modern day side backs like Davies etc. Calabria is balanced he can do both well but none exceptionally. It’s a good balance when Theo on the opposite side is ultra attacking. If both are bombing side backs our CBs will be exposed.
who I consider an international-level defender, what a funny report, dedic and ulmer blamend him several times in Salisburgo, just wait for the game in London. Calabria isnt taking responsibility, 100% alibi player just see when he assingns his front men, he has his hands clasped behind his back 5m away from penalty area and he is losing the ball more then every second time, the long ball every time.
I’m with Costacurta on this one. Calabria’s success rate in 1V1 duels has been outstanding over the last couple seasons. It’s actually his best attribute and probably one of the main reasons why management has kept faith in him. I expect a solid performance from him against Napoli.
Agreed!!!
I wouldn’t go as far as claiming there is no one better in Serie A on defending 1vs1 but I will say that he’s definitely amongst the top 5. Like it or not but he’s hard to pass by.
How about everyone just STFU about Dest being better than Calabria?! That Barca-reject cost us 3 points today.
Probably the worst RB in Milan shirt in this millennia.