In 10 days the first derby of the season will take place between Inter and AC Milan at San Siro, and the word ‘Scudetto’ is already being attached to it.
Milan and Inter have made a perfect start to the season so far with both teams winning all three of their league games. The Rossoneri have beaten Bologna, Torino and Roma while their city rivals have triumphed against Monza, Cagliari and Fiorentina.
After three rounds of league action, games will now be paused for the various commitments in international competitions, including Euro 2024 qualifiers, Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and friendlies.
The problem for Stefano Pioli (and Simone Inzaghi admittedly) is that this means the bulk of the first team squad are now flying around the world rather than being present in training to prepare for the game.
Manuele Baiocchini of Sky Sport gave some insight from Milanello where the players available resumed training yesterday, and his comments were relayed by Radio Rossonera.
First of all, what is Milanello like today without the players who are on international duty?
“There aren’t many players, there are 9 from the first team. Plus, of course, some youth players who have been brought in. There are 14 players with their national teams, and therefore in this increasingly international Milan there are many involved in their respective selections.
“They will return only next week. Today work resumes here in Milanello to prepare for the derby which will take place on Saturday 16 September.”
Going into specifics, Baiocchini spoke about Milan’s day…
“Training today in the afternoon, but the meeting, after three days of rest, was at lunchtime. At 1pm then, all together, there was a group lunch. Then, as I was saying, training in the afternoon.
“Tomorrow and the day after, however, it will be in the morning. Then another in the afternoon and finally another three days of rest to wait for the national team returning from abroad. Milan are already preparing for a fundamental derby that already has the flavour of a Scudetto.”
Great – yet more internationals for our players to get injured in. It feels like they have to fly off for these things every month.