Andriy Shevchenko knows the Milan derby better than most, and he is hoping for an entertaining game at San Siro tonight.
To many, Shevchenko is the cover star of previous Derby della Madonnina meetings. No one ranks higher than him when it comes to goals scored in the game, as the Ukrainian bagged against Inter 14 times across all competitions.
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Tonight Sheva will be watching on TV as a fan, but with the same passion as he felt when he was a player. He will hope the Rossoneri are able to succeed in their two missions: to secure a double over the Nerazzurri for the season, and to cut the gap to seven points.
Shevchenko spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published on the day of the big game at La Scala del Calcio, and he offered his preview.
Andriy, does the 10-point gap take away from the match’s appeal?
“It’s absolutely impossible to take away the derby’s charm, and a 10-point gap in the table means little. In fact, if Milan wins, the championship is back on track. The derby can change everything, especially at this point in the season: from now until the end, the matches will be unpredictable for everyone.”
Was Allegri the man who turned Milan around?
“Max is a guarantee. The AC Milan return to the top is his creation, he transformed it. He restored the team’s competitiveness, made the players he had at his disposal stronger.
“If you hire him, you know what you’re getting: he’s a trained and experienced coach, with specific characteristics, who builds a team with his ideas. He knows how to get his followers, get the players on his side: he’s a formidable manager.
“I already said months ago that we expected a lot from Allegri’s AC Milan: he’s kept his promises, to the delight of all AC Milan fans. He’s doing a great job and having an excellent season.”
From Ballon d’Or winner to Ballon d’Or winner: do you have a message for Modric?
“As long as he has this fire inside him, he has to stay. Also because despite his charisma, he’s not a ‘burden’: he helps and knows how to always make himself available, without expecting anything in return.
“He’s having an extraordinary season, we all know the great qualities he has. I had the chance to play against him: his way of interpreting the game is impressive, his work as an athlete that goes beyond that of a footballer. And then he’s a fantastic person, a good person.
“I see him facing any team, always bringing the same quality, the same ambition. He gets followed with humility, without shouting. He plays with intensity and sacrifice, with team spirit. I’m happy he’s at Milan because it enriches his career, playing for Milan is always special.
“And I’m happy for the Rossoneri fans because they deserve it. He projects a powerful image for the young players and obviously for his team-mates who are inclined to identify with him and follow him.”
Allegri seems to have succeeded even with Leao, who previously did not shine for his application and sacrifice…
“Rafa is showing that he’s truly matured. He’s trying to express himself best in a role other than his natural one, and he’s doing it to accommodate the coach’s request. He’s committed to something new and does it for the team, because that’s what’s asked of him.Plus, he scores goals.
“Coach Capello is right , I read his interviews: Leao isn’t a centre forward but he knows how to carry out his duties well, he attacks space and makes himself available. In this, Allegri has been able to find the right balance: if you focus on quick counterattacks, Rafa’s sprinting is crucial.
“Then you can’t ask him to keep the ball or be a number 9 like Ibrahimovic: his characteristics are different.”
Did you also read the interview in which Leao asked his team-mates to be extremely careful and not to go out at night this week?
“Of course, I liked it. A different Rafa in this too, and another sign of his maturity. He’s on the right path.”
Leao will partner Pulisic: could the derby be a chance to break new ground? He was the man of the match in the first leg, but he hasn’t scored in 2026…
“Don’t believe the myth that a player of his caliber can already have his mind on the World Cup. It doesn’t exist. When a player goes on the pitch, he always tries to give his all for his team at that moment.
“Pulisic has scored important goals and will continue to do so, for Milan and then at the World Cup with the United States.”
With players like these, how much longer will it take for today’s AC Milan to return to the level of your Milan, capable of competing in Italy and especially in Europe?
“We can’t compare that team, which made its own history, to today’s. Of course, I can only hope Allegri reaches those levels, and does so soon. With the right reinforcements from the transfer market, he could become competitive again in Europe as well.”
Are Inter ahead today?
“As a squad, yes, it’s the strongest in Italy right now. And I like the way Chivu coaches it: he’s always been an intelligent player, with tremendous quality and pure class, an exceptional left foot. He was creative as a player and is proving to be good on the bench too.
“He’s been able to maintain his lead in the standings by constantly injecting new energy into the group. You can see the team respects him and he has a great way of playing.”
Is Pio Esposito the type of striker you were talking about before, the number 9 like Ibra?
“I’ve seen him; he’s young and scores good goals. Even when he comes on, he’s able to contribute to breaking the deadlock. And he’s good in the air.”
Last thing on the derby: you can only replay one of your 20. Which one would you choose?
“The 2003 Champions League semi-final second leg. But thinking about it, I’d replay all the ones I won: I loved the tension of those moments, the city stopped to experience the match. The passion, the rivalry.
“A beautiful match to play and watch: you know the world is watching. It goes beyond the standings, the Milan derby is the Milan derby.”
