Ahead of the big clash between AC Milan and Inter this evening, Demetrio Albertini was interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport. The Rossoneri legend spoke about Paulo Fonseca, Milan’s key man and what to expect from the derby tonight.
Albertini made a whopping 406 appearances during his time at Milan and in the process, he clinched 13 trophies (!), including five Scudetti and three Champions League titles. There is no disputing his status as a Rossoneri legend, in other words, and he knows a thing or two about the derby as well.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo below), Albertini shared his thoughts on Fonseca, if this can be a turning point for Milan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s new role. While expressing some optimism, he labelled Inter as the favourites ‘without a doubt’.
What game are you expecting?
“The derby is worth three points like all the other matches. However, there’s no point in hiding it, it has a special value. I’ve played it in four different cities (including Rome, Madrid and Barcelona), but for me, the real derby is the one in Milan. I grew up in Milan, as a Rossoneri fan, and challenging Inter has always had a special charm.”
Inter the favourites?
“Yes, without a doubt.”
What do the Nerazzurri have that the Rossoneri don’t?
“The awareness that has grown in them over time thanks to work and mutual understanding. Inter gives an impression of great cohesion that does not only derive from tactics and technical value, but also from the feeling that exists in the locker room.”
And what about Milan…
“The results are a reflection of what we saw on the pitch: there wasn’t a single match we deserved to win and we didn’t win these either.”
Can the derby be a turning point?
“The fans are waiting for it with concern in light of what we have seen so far, while for Fonseca’s players it is an opportunity to demonstrate their value, to reverse the trend.”
Who can be the decisive man for Inter?
“Lautaro worries me: he will want to redeem himself against Milan to ‘restart’ his season.”
And for Milan?
“Maybe Leao, who we have been waiting for a while in terms of continuity. Nobody doubts his qualities, but his performance is too inconsistent. Let’s hope the derby is an ‘up’ match and not a ‘down’ one. We are not asking him to carry the team on his shoulders or to be the leader, but to make a difference.”
Fonseca was confident in his press conference…
“It takes time to reap the rewards of a coach who plays a football so different from that of his predecessor. However, seeing the spirit of the players on the pitch, I have some doubts. Let’s hope that things change in the derby.”
Inter, meanwhile, are playing by heart…
“And to think that, when he replaced Conte, someone said that Simone was not a winner… His was an important journey and he built a team that consolidated over time. Inter can make a mistake in a match, but they are strong.”
But you are optimistic?
“There is always hope: as a fan I think that current players do not want to be remembered as those who lost the seventh derby in a row and entered history… on the wrong side.”
Do you like Ibra in his new role?
“Now we understand his role. He has taken his responsibilities and with his personality, he can also have an impact off the pitch.”
Which of the derbies played do you hold dear?
“The first one as a child, when I was ten years old. Another one won 5-0 (in 1998) in which I got angry because we hadn’t scored the 6-0 and the return match in 1992-93: Inter wanted to come back, but Gullit’s 1-1 allowed us to clinch the Scudetto.”
The game is scheduled for 20:45 tonight and San Siro is sold out, with a new record expected in terms of revenue from ticket sales. Nevertheless, this is a game that many Milan fans are dreading, with six consecutive defeats top of mind.
Fonseca was confident in his press conference? More like a ramble from a dying man..
It’s D day. Will we be dead in the water? Or will we fight and still lose? Or will we return as the unlikely victors?