Milan captain Davide Calabria has shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming Derby della Madonnina between the Rossoneri and rivals Milan on Saturday, insisting that his team are in much better shape heading into the game than they have been in recent seasons.
Both Milan and Inter have enjoyed a perfect start to the 2023-24 Serie A campaign. They are the only two sides in the division to have picked up three wins from their first three matches.
That situation has created a first for the derby: Saturday will be the first meeting between the two sides while tied at the top of the league table.
“It will be a great challenge, a match that needs no introduction,” Calabria said in an exclusive interview with Sport Mediaset. “We want to win, there’s nothing else we want more. We’re in better shape heading into the derby than we have been previously,I’m confident because the team is eager.”
Another quirk in the early Serie A blockbuster is that neither team have had much time to prepare, given that most key players from both sides have been away on international duty and only resumed club training on Thursday.
“What’s different this time is that we haven’t had much time to prepare for it with all the players,: Calabria explained. “But it will be a great challenge and one that we both have to prepare in a short timespan, it’s nothing new in modern football.
Milan had an incredibly busy transfer window over the summer, welcoming 10 new first team signings, although Calabria believes that they all already know how important the derby is for the club and its supporters.
“The new players have understood what the derby will be like, they have also had a taste of it from the matches we have already played with fans at home and away. Compared to many other teams in the world, we are really well followed and we are supported in the stadium impeccably.”
He continued: “Strong players have come in and they have fit in brilliantly. This is a big positive, because those who hit the ground running tend to respond positively on the pitch. We welcomed them and they are giving everything to help us.
Calabria was then asked about teammate Rafael Leao, who continues to impress for the Rossoneri: “I see him as mature, he is becoming much more attentive in every game situation. But there is still room for him to improve.
However, Inter have a star talisman of their own in the shape of Lautaro Martinez, someone who Milan will have to keep a close eye on if they are to succeed on Saturday evening.
“Great player, he’s a top player and I can only speak well of him. He’s doing great, he’s put us in difficulty and we’re trying on the pitch what can limit him. Something will be granted, but we are ready to face it.”
Kick-off between Milan and Inter at San Siro is set for 17.00 UK time on Saturday evening.