AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer has discussed his feelings heading into his first ever Derby della Madonnina, plus his relationship with Lucas Biglia.
The Algeria international arrived at the Rossoneri from Empoli during the summer in a deal which could rise to €16million, becoming the club’s fourth official signing in the process.
So far though he has started just one game; that being in the 1-0 victory over Brescia at San Siro prior to the international break.
It came as a shock to many that Biglia started ahead of the 21-year-old against Hellas Verona on Sunday, though La Gazzetta dello Sport (via @teammilanac on Twitter) suggested earlier in the week that Bennacer will start the derby.
Now, the former Arsenal man has discussed what he learns from Biglia and sitting on the bench in Verona.
“It’s all very fast. I have already worked with my team-mates and coach, we are working and we are growing,” he told Sky Italia, via Calciomercato.com.
“I personally am happy, it is a great challenge for me.
“Upset about Verona? No, it’s normal. I am available, I have not played because it is so, I have to work and I am new.
“Biglia is back, he is a great player and I have to learn a lot from him. That’s football.
“What can I learn from Lucas? He has so much experience, he is 33, he knows what he has to do on the pitch when we have the ball and when we don’t have it, he is always concentrated to the end, we are not the same and for us it is good because I can learn so much, that that he has and I don’t have it.”
Saturday’s derby presents the biggest test of the season so far for Milan as they come up against an Inter side which have won three out of three so far.
Bennacer, though, is thinking about it like any other game.
“We all have to think the same in the match, the derby for our fans is more important maybe, but for us it’s a three-point match.
“Milan-Inter is a game that all the players would like to play in. We can’t say that there is a team stronger than the other, let’s see on the field.
“We have to win because this match is the first big test, Inter is a great team and we will see on Saturday.”
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