AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has lifted the lid on the ‘unique feeling’ of playing in the Derby della Madonnina.
It promises to be an exciting fixture this coming weekend with Milan and Inter having combined for five wins out of six to begin the 2019-20 campaign.
The Rossoneri have won two of their opening three games, following up a defeat to Udinese with 1-0 wins against Brescia and Hellas Verona either side of the international break.
Inter meanwhile have started even better than that, beating Lecce, Cagliari and most recently Udinese – though they did look shaky in the latter two.
Donnarumma – who has played seven times against Inter, winning just once – is ready to make happier memories in the derby.
“In derbies it goes beyond everything, it’s a game of its own, it prepares itself, gives a lot of energy and a lot of emotion to play it,” he told DAZN, as per MilanNews.
“It is a unique satisfaction to play the derby, it is very beautiful. The 3-0 win was my second derby, the first was the Berlusconi trophy. Winning the first league derby gave me great emotion.”
Gigio had nothing but praise for his opposite number Samir Handanovic.
“I know him, he’s a very good man and a great goalkeeper. I really like the way he attacks the ball, then we all know the other qualities he has.”
On the Inter players in the national team, he added: “We have a great relationship, I have a good relationship with D’Ambrosio who is a fellow countryman of mine, he also lives below me. I will surely cross him.”
Donnarumma showed an outpouring of emotion after the 1-0 win in Verona on Sunday, something he puts down to adrenaline.
“A discharge of adrenaline to the last action, the desire I had to win that game as we all had and we showed it on the pitch.
“We are a beautiful group. With a new coach it is normal to have a bit of difficulty at the beginning, we are following well.
“We have had two victories out of three, not playing very well but winning helps us win and slowly we put in place also the side of the game.”
READ MORE: Four key changes Giampaolo should make to Milan XI for Inter clash – MilanTalk
