Strahinja Pavlovic has insisted that AC Milan will be ready to take on Inter in the derby, echoing Rafael Leao’s words about preparation being key.
The game on Sunday between the city rivals will be the second of the season, whereas Pavlovic was actually part of five derbies in his debut season at the club in 2024-25: two Serie A contests, two Coppa Italia semi-final legs and the Supercoppa Italiana final.
La Gazzetta dello Sport conducted an interview with Pavlovic a few days before the derby clash. They write that in a small room at Milanello, the Serbian centre-back showed he’s already in the derby mood.
He has already forgotten the match-winning goal he scored in Cremona on Sunday and, true to his name (‘strah’ means fear, as if to say he shouldn’t be afraid), Pavlovic is ready for Sunday’s big match at La Scala Del Calcio.
Pavlovic, what kind of derby do you expect?
“It’ll be a tough match. Inter are ahead in the table and will probably play with less pressure than us. But the derby is a game in itself: each match is different. I expect a very competitive game and I hope we can win.”
If it’s about fighting, you’re the right man…
“You could say that (laughs). I like these types of matches, but I think anyone who plays football with passion lives for matches like this. I think we’re all ready for the derby.”
Is there a derby from the past that you remember?
“My second professional match with Partizan was the derby against Red Star Belgrade at the Marakana in Belgrade. I was 17 and inexperienced: for me it was something incredible and I will remember it forever.”
And among those played in Milan?
“The 3-0 win in the second leg of last season’s Coppa Italia semi-final. It’s hard to enjoy derbies because they’re always tough and full of duels. But that time I enjoyed myself and I’ll never forget it.”
The 3-2 victory in the Supercoppa final a few months earlier in Riyadh must not have been bad either…
“Yes, it was an incredible comeback, although I experienced it a little differently because I was on the bench. Watching is almost harder than playing and the emotions are different, but I was still very happy that night.”
Is the Milan derby ‘different’ from other matches?
“Yes, because the atmosphere is unique. In Serbia, I grew up in similar environments, with intense and tense matches, but here it’s different.
“I have the feeling that people start talking about the derby a month beforehand. Everyone is focused on this match and it seems like there’s nothing more important than winning it.”
Many consider Inter the favourites because they’re top of the table. Do you agree?
“No. There are no favourites in derbies. We saw that last season too: we struggled in the league and finished eighth, but we often won derbies. The derby is a game in itself.”
As a defender, is it better to avoid a duel with the injured Lautaro Martínez?
“Inter have four really good forwards with different characteristics. I’ll try to prepare for all of them, then we’ll see who plays. I always train at 100%, regardless of the opponent.”
What do you think of Pio Esposito?
“He’s young, hungry, and has a lot of quality. He wants to prove himself, and for his age, he’s very strong. He’s a threat, and we have to prepare for him too.”
For Leao, the derby is a do-or-die match.
“I agree with Rafa. We can say it’s the most important match of the season, a special match: everyone in Milan knows how much it matters.”
Is the atmosphere in the dressing room different than in other weeks?
“We’re professionals and we have to prepare the same way for every match, but it’s true that the excitement for the upcoming derby is in the air.”
At Milanello, there are photos of many past champions. Is there one who inspires you more than the others?
“Just take a walk around Milanello to realise how many legends have played here: the photos are everywhere, in the dining room, in the dressing room, in the gym… It makes me happy to wear the same shirt they wore. It’s a wonderful feeling, hard to describe.”
Before choosing Milan, had you spoken to other Serbians who played here?
“I called Luka Jovic, who was here last season, but I also spoke to Milenkovic and Vlahovic to find out more about the Italian league.”
What is the main difference between Serie A and the tournaments you played in before?
“Milan is the biggest club I’ve played for so far, and Serie A is stronger than Austria, France, and Serbia. Everything is different here: there are no easy games, and in these two years I’ve learned more than in the previous six of my career. For a defender, it’s the perfect league to grow.”
Allegri introduced himself by saying that Milan needed to improve their defence compared to 2024-25…
“The coach is putting a lot of attention on the defence and we’ve made a lot of progress. However, the credit doesn’t just go to the defenders because we need everyone’s help: the attackers and midfielders give us a big hand.”
What did you learn from Allegri?
“So many little things. I started paying attention to details I hadn’t considered before, and they make all the difference.”
Are you satisfied with Milan’s season so far?
“That’s a tough question… We’re happy with last year. Our goal at the start of the season was to finish in the top four, and we’re on track to achieve it.
“But looking at our performance, I think we could have had more points, so there’s a bit of disappointment. There are still eleven games to go, and we’ll do everything we can to get the most out of it.”
But now only the derby counts…
“Exactly. We’ll take it game by game and see where we’ve ended up.”
Why do you often struggle against teams lower in the table?
“If we look at the results against the top six, we’ve won a lot because we’re more dangerous on the counter-attack and in quick moves. We struggle more against teams that defend with a low block, when we have a lot of possession. We’ll improve.”
Kaká told La Gazzetta that if they win the derby, Milan must believe in the Scudetto…
“Nothing’s over yet. There are 11 games left, and the important thing is to stay united and give our all until the last minute.”
Ahead of the derby, Leao advised all his team-mates to stay home in the evenings to concentrate. For you, it’s not a problem…
“Exactly. I’m almost always at home and don’t go out much. Rafa is right, and this principle always applies, not just for the derby. Preparation is crucial.”
Who is the toughest opponent in training?
“Leao is very difficult to stop, but I struggle most with Pulisic. He’s the type of player who doesn’t go into a fight: he’s fast and slips away from you. You can’t come in hard because he finds a way to slip away from you, like a snake.”
Are you confident Pulisic will unlock his potential and return to scoring like he did in 2025?
“I hope so. He’s strong and he’s essential for us.”
A thought for Gabbia, who won’t be in the derby after his operation?
“I wish him a speedy recovery, as I already messaged him. We will miss him: he’s a great person before he was a great player.”
San Siro will be sold out. What would you like to say to the fans?
“Thank you for your support because I’m always our twelfth man. We’ll try to win the derby for them too.”
Will Milan be ready on Sunday?
“Yes, we will be ready.”
Pavlo is a testament to never give up! He was written off by many fans for his poor performances when he first joined but has since been a BEAST!