Totti takes a jab ahead of Europa League tie: 'No longer the Milan it once was'

Francesco Totti has taken a bit of a jab at AC Milan ahead of their Europa League meeting with Roma, claiming that they are not the team that they once were.

Milan beat Slavia Praha 7-3 on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals of the competition, and the draw took place on Friday in Switzerland. Some teams looked like fierce opponents on paper such as Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool, but the possibility of drawing a domestic rival emerged.

As it turned out, the Rossoneri were the first ball out and they got domestic rivals Roma who beat Brighton 4-1 in the last 16, with the winner of Bayern Leverkusen versus West Ham potentially awaiting in the semi-finals.

Totti spoke at an event for Betsson.sport and he was asked for his thoughts on the fact that his former side were drawn in an all-Italian clash against Roma, which will take place next month over two legs.

“The further you go in a competition the more complicated it becomes, sooner or later you meet all the strongest teams,” he said (via Radio Rossonera).

“The Rossoneri are doing well, they have added 3/4 players of quality and quantity. It will be a beautiful and open tie, I hope that Roma get through. Milan’s European DNA? It will be an additional factor for them, but it is no longer the Milan it once was…”

The former playmaker was questioned on what he thinks regarding the impact that Daniele De Rossi has made, given he has led Roma very much into a fight for fourth place.

“I didn’t expect him to do so well straight away but I hoped he would. He is proving to be a great coach and I, like all the Giallorossi fans, hope he continues at this level.

“Roma are a difficult place and are demonstrating his value. Knowing the city, the fans and the club well and therefore bringing all this together to ensure that the players perform with maximum peace of mind.”