There is often no shortage of narratives when it comes to the derby between AC Milan and Inter, because of the history of the fixture and the fierceness it holds.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport recall that one of the battles to keep an eye on is the one between friends and compatriots Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard.
It was in an interview with the same paper that Pavard spoke about his temptation to try a new project and left the door very much open to a potential move to Italy, stating he would like to play alongside Giroud.
“Olivier always tells me that Italy is a country that lives football one hundred percent. He told me about the magic of derbies, the fans’ great celebration for the Scudetto,” he said.
Giroud is a great friend of Pavard, but they will cross paths on Saturday night as enemies and opponents. The pair spent the last few days together in the France retreat (until the striker’ early return to Milanello due to the ankle problem he suffered against Ireland) and it is almost certain the game was spoken about.
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich pair went on a memorable journey together at the World Cup in Qatar, going all the way to the final where Argentina ended up triumphing on penalties.
Giroud and Pavard have seen it all and now find themselves sharing a new city for another chapter of their careers. The goal, for both, is the same.
Benjamin made it clear upon arrival in Milano: “I want to win the Scudetto in order to secure the second star on the Inter shirt. I live to win trophies, it’s important for the fans and for the club.
“I will do everything necessary to conquer as many titles as possible. There are world-famous players in the team who will help us achieve them.”
Olivier has already experienced the emotion of winning the league in Italy and dreams of experiencing it again, as reiterated on several occasions.
“Our goal is the second star. We want to have the best season possible in the league and in the Champions League, this is our will,” he said.
The records show that they have faced each other only once: on 25 February 2020, in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 between Chelsea and Bayern at Stamford Bridge.
The Bundesliga giants won with ease – 3-0 in the end – earning a subsequent passage to the next round, going on to lift the trophy at the end. Pavard hopes for a similar score en route to a similar fate.
