Christian Abbiati has praised Filippo Inzaghi for giving Milan 'the right mindset' ahead of Sunday's Derby della Madonnina against Inter.
Christian Abbiati has praised Filippo Inzaghi for giving Milan 'the right mindset' ahead of Sunday's Derby della Madonnina against Inter.
The Rossoneri drew 2-2 at Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”8″>Sampdoria a fortnight ago to extend their winless run in Serie A to four matches, but the goalkeeper has insisted that his team will be ‘pumped up’ when they face their fiercest rivals this weekend.
“We're motivated and we want to repeat the match against Sampdoria, who we had a great game against, even if we did not win,” Abbiati has told Milan Channel.
“We're on the right track, the Coach is giving us the right mindset.
“A Coach’s experience of a derby is different to a player’s. We hope that he has a nice debut.
“[Inzaghi and I] have always had a great relationship, but it's changed somewhat because he's the Coach and I'm still a player.
“I see the team quietly focused on their job at hand. Then on Sunday evening, a little excitement and tension will certainly creep in, but we are training well.
“The attackers will be critical, I hope El Shaarawy can be decisive. It can be anyone, I just want someone to score for us, Diego Lopez included…
“The derby is always a derby, a game which is always deeply felt. It won't be easy, but I think it'll be a great game.”
Abbiati then revealed his favourite derby goal and hailed Milan fans for their unbridled support, but was less forthcoming when quizzed about his future.
“It's not easy [to pick a favourite derby goal], but I have to say Sheva's in the 2003 Champions League semi-final. It's a very important goal for me,” the 37-year-old continued.
“I have a great relationship with the Curva, I've always been close to them. They're always in attendance to spur on the team, last year especially.
“I haven't thought about what I'll do [in the future], we'll see at the end of the season.”