The former Rossoneri striker, who played a key role in the 1998-99 Scudetto comeback, also believes in today’s Diavolo: “When you’re behind, there’s no point in making calculations: first and foremost, you have to win as many games as possible, without wasting nervous energy.”
Oliver Bierhoff knows a thing or two about comebacks. He was in the Milan attack that made up seven points in the last seven games of the 1998-99 season to overtake Lazio. Zaccheroni’s team won the Scudetto in a sprint finish, overtaking the Biancocelesti on the penultimate day and winning three points in the last round, in Perugia, on May 23, 1999. Almost 27 years have passed since then, but the German striker remembers many details of that season and, as a keen observer of Serie A (as well as a fan of his former teams, above all Milan and Udinese), he sees similarities with Allegri’s Rossoneri, who are back in the race for the Scudetto thanks to Sunday’s victory in the derby.
Bierhoff, what was the key to your historic Scudetto comeback?
“Simple: we believed in ourselves and put together a sensational winning streak.”
Put like that, it sounds simple…
“That’s the reality. No one was doing the math, we were just focused on ourselves, on getting as many points as possible, on helping our teammates. We were convinced that if we did our best, Lazio would slip up.”
In fact, in the last seven games, Milan won 21 points, while the Biancocelesti lost two games in a row against Roma and Juventus and drew in Florence in the penultimate game.
“We, on the other hand, played Empoli in the penultimate game, and when the news came that the Viola had taken the lead with a goal from Batistuta, the roar from San Siro set us off: I scored three goals in half an hour, straddling the first and second halves, and we won 4-0. At the end of the game, we were top of the table.“
And the Scudetto became a reality a week later at the Curi in Perugia.
”Exactly. When you’re behind, however, there’s no point in making calculations: first of all, you have to win as much as possible, without wasting nervous energy, thinking about where your direct competitors might stumble.”
Allegri is right: it’s better to talk about the Champions League, so you stay focused.
Oliver Bierhoff
It sounds like advice for Allegri’s Milan, who are chasing Inter after the derby.
“In my opinion, there’s no need to make tables, and Allegri is right to keep talking about the Champions League as the goal to achieve. First, Milan must return to European competition, then think about the rest. It’s the right way to keep the team focused on a short-term goal.“
What was Zaccheroni’s key move in 1998-99?
”The transition from a trident to a playmaker behind the two strikers. Zac showed great intelligence and abandoned his 3-4-3 formation in favor of a system that was better suited to the characteristics of the squad. Boban behind me and Weah was fundamental to the change of gear.”
Who is the Boban of the current Milan?
“It’s impossible to make comparisons because they have different roles and characteristics, but given the importance that Zvone had on the pitch and in the group, I would say his compatriot Modric. They are both champions and friends. Neither of them will be offended (laughs, ed.).”
Modric? Champions remain champions at any age, they don’t hold back
Oliver Bierhoff
Modric still makes the difference at 40. Did you expect that?
“Champions remain champions at any age, and I was convinced he would prove that when he signed for Milan. I’m not surprised by his geometry or confidence on the field, but by how much he runs… On Sunday, in the final minutes, he received a yellow card for protesting after trying to recover the ball near the opponent’s area: perhaps he knew that he had to break up the rhythm of the match to defend the result, and he didn’t hold back. He helps in both phases and has proven to be a great signing.”
So it’s right that he stays in Milan…
“For the good of Milan and Italian soccer, I say yes. There’s no other Modric around.”
You had Albertini in midfield, another true leader. In the current Milan team, Rabiot, the Frenchman who leads and drives the team, plays a key role.
“With Albertini in midfield, you could rest easy because he read the game like few others: he controlled the tempo as a playmaker, but when it came to winning the ball back, he didn’t hold back. Rabiot is impressive: he’s a central midfielder with technique and physicality, a nose for goal and the ability to sacrifice himself. In the derby, he took some heavy blows without ever holding back or stopping, even in injury time.”
It’s a shame that this Milan team doesn’t have the goals that you and Weah guaranteed Zaccheroni.
“George and I got on well, but the credit also went to the coach and his tactics. He brought out the best in many strikers at Udinese too, from Poggi to Amoroso. Do you think that’s a coincidence?“
Leao and Pulisic, on the other hand, are struggling in 2026.
”You’ll see that their goals will come, but I’m convinced that my compatriot Füllkrug will also score. He’s a good guy and can be useful with his characteristics.”
Milan, I believe in them. But you mustn’t be anxious to catch up with Inter.
Oliver Bierhoff
So you believe in Milan’s comeback?
“Yes. In the derby, I saw a motivated team that is confident and played an excellent first half. Perhaps they dropped off a little too much in the second half, but they held out. It’s a clear sign that, despite facing Inter, there is organization and a willingness to suffer at the back.”
What is the biggest danger for the Diavolo?
“The anxiety of having to catch up. When you’re behind and can’t afford to fail, it’s understandable to feel a little extra tension. However, it seems to me that neither Allegri nor the team lack experience.”
