Milan legend Franco Baresi fears the Derby della Madonnina might’ve come a little early for a revamped side. ‘Inter are the favourites, but we want to become favourites too. The derby is always unpredictable.’
It kicks off on Saturday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT) and is also a top of the table showdown, because after three rounds of the Serie A season, these are the only teams still with a 100 per cent record.
While the Nerazzurri have built on last term’s success, which saw them reach the Champions League Final, Stefano Pioli has transformed his squad.
“Perhaps the fixture arrives a little early for Milan, but we have to accept that,” Baresi told Sky Sport Italia.
“The two teams are in good shape. Inter have always made us suffer, so we know the difficulties that we could run into, but we are doing well too and feel confident. We all know the derby is always unpredictable.”
Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have made a sensational start to their Serie A careers, while Tijjani Reijnders is another regular in the starting XI.
“Milan has changed, new players arrived and it is not easy to settle in quickly to a new league. The team played good football so far and we want to continue like this.”
Napoli won the Scudetto last season, but have lost Kim Min-jae and coach Luciano Spalletti, while Juventus do not have Champions League football to worry about.
“Inter started strong and we know they have a good squad that always caused us problems. Inter are the favourites, but we want to become favourites too. Napoli and Juventus are there as well, it’s going to be a real battle for the title,” continued Baresi.
“I hope that Milan can remain competitive to the end, then there are many factors that can influence a season.”
Fikayo Tomori is suspended for the derby, while Pierre Kalulu is injured, so Simon Kjaer looks set to partner Malick Thiaw in defence this weekend.
“Milan play a very attacking style of football, so the defenders must have quality and our defenders fit that bill. Mistakes can happen, but who never makes a mistake? I have full faith in them, when our defence is in good shape, it is very difficult to get through.”