Zvonimir Boban has shed light on what it is like in the build-up to a Milan derby, while he also gave his thoughts on Brahim Diaz who is wearing the shirt he wore.
Boban spoke at the Milan Football Week event put on by La Gazzetta dello Sport and he was asked about the derby, Brahim Diaz’s performances and his own personal career with the club.
“When there is the derby, the city breathes differently, people want the derby to be won. There is fantastic respect among the fans, there is an incredible culture despite the rivalry,” he said (via MilanNews).
“This means that Milan is the most beautiful city in the world in terms of football. I’ve traveled all over the world, I’ve never seen a city like this. Congratulations to the Milanese.”
Milan lost 2-0 against Inter in the first leg of the semi-final clash on Wednesday which has created a mountain to climb in the return fixture if Pioli’s side are to book a place in the Istanbul final.
“Clearly a miracle would be needed. Leao will train for just one day, as he enters the pitch everyone will hope for him. It will be the most difficult match ever for him, Inter will be behind him and not he will leave spaces.
“You can’t load everything onto Leao, we’ll have to see how Milan will play. If we think about how he played in the first game, it’s harder than thinking that we can do it. The team spirit that has been created and that Milan has demonstrated in all these years is extraordinary, congratulations to Pioli.
“As far as tactics are concerned, this is not the time to talk about them, but already a year ago I said that I didn’t like certain things. Let’s hope so, let’s go positive. Let’s hope a miracle will happen If they score early, everything can be reversed.”
Boban wore the famous number 10 shirt at Milan which is now being used by Brahim Diaz, a player who continues to divide opinions. Some believe the Rossoneri should try to sign him permanently because of his important contributions and his potential, while others highlight his inconsistency.
“He’s not a real 10. He’s a mix between a 10, a second striker and an wide player. He looks great in a great Milan in the last half hour, I think he can change many things because he’s eager. But can he lead the team as a 10…”
Finally, he spoke about his own struggles adapting to Italian football, like Charles De Ketelaere is currently experiencing.
“Milan were too big to understand right away. I wasn’t ready. It’s a good thing I went in Bari, suffering and playing as a striker, but it made me understand what Italian football was.”
