Inter president Steven Zhang has admitted that there is a desire for ‘revenge’ after how last season went and how history has gone so far in European derbies.
Milan and Inter will meet for the third time in the Champions League knockout stages, 18 years after the last one. Back in the 2002-03 semi-finals the Rossoneri won on away goals after 1-1 aggregate draw, while in the 2004-05 quarter-finals the red half of the city celebrated again after a 5-0 win on aggregate.
The derby has had more on the line recently, with the Scudetto battle going right down to the wire last season – eventually won by Milan – while this season the pair met in the Supercoppa Italiana where Inter were victorious.
Zhang spoke to Amazon Prime after Inter booked their place in the semis last night with a draw against Benfica, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.
“It means a lot to be in the semi-finals, we started from afar with players who have never won anything in Europe. It means a lot for the staff for all of us,” he said.
“During my years here, the Milan derby has always been one of my favourite matches because of the emotions. We would like revenge for history and for last year.”
