Milan star Brahim Diaz expects a ‘thrilling’ Champions League derby against Inter and believes his teammate Rafael Leao and Real Madrid‘s Vini Jr. have two things in common.
The Spaniard is expected to start in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Milan and Inter on Wednesday.
“The match will be crazy, surely thrilling,” Brahim told Marca.
“We have played many ‘Finals’ in a row and we hardly had time to think. But since we know it was Inter, the derby atmosphere is in the air. It is palpable and people are looking forward to the day to come. I’m sure Inter players will also be anxious, with a lot of motivation and knowing the importance of the clash.”
Brahim has already experienced big derbies in Madrid, between Real and Atletico.
“In the end, there are two derbies between two big teams that are accustomed to winning,” he said.
“In Milan, everything is very passionate. Milan and Inter are two great teams that always want more and want to stick out their chests to say: ‘I belong to this team and this team rules the city.’ It’s going to be a battle, without a doubt.”
Rafael Leao remains in doubt for the game and Stefano Pioli will make a final decision on the Portuguese star after Wednesday’s training session at Milanello.
“He is a great player, with incredible physical strength,” argued Brahim. “You always have to pass him the ball because he is unstoppable when he has space. We are friends, we talk a lot and that makes everything easier. I always look at him to create danger. He’s very fast.”
When asked about similarities between Leao and Real Madrid star Vini Jr., Brahim said: “They have something similar. Both are great players and also they both start from the same sector, which is left wing.”
Brahim’s loan spell from Real Madrid ends in June, but the 23-year-old, an ex-Manchester City midfielder, does not think about a potential return to the Spanis capital: “Now I am focused on Milan. That’s what I’m saying. I want to be at the top, 100%, here. A very important game is coming up and I only think about giving my best.”
The latest reports in Italy and Spain claim the Rossoneri do not have an option to make his move permanent in the summer.
Brahim has scored six goals in 39 appearances across all competitions with Milan this season, delivering four assists.