Fabio Capello compares Mauro Icardi to Gabriel Batistuta and predicts “determination and motivation” will be decisive in Inter–Milan.
It kicks off at 19.30 UK time (18.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
This is not only a battle between age-old city rivals, but a victory would also put Milan only one point behind Inter with a game in hand to be played against Genoa.
Fabio Capello compares Mauro Icardi to Gabriel Batistuta and predicts “determination and motivation” will be decisive in Inter-Milan.
It kicks off at 19.30 UK time (18.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
This is not only a battle between age-old city rivals, but a victory would also put Milan only one point behind Inter with a game in hand to be played against Genoa.
It’s a challenge between the third-best defence in Serie A and the third-most prolific attack.
“These statistics would point to a draw, but you’d have to analyse the weaknesses in the sides and in that sense it seems to me as if Milan’s defence isn’t particularly solid,” Capello told Il Giorno newspaper.
“The Rossoneri have a few difficulties at the back and Inter are very dangerous upfront. Milan will need to be very careful indeed.
“You can never make predictions in a derby, because the game is separate to the rest of the season and has its own particular atmosphere. Statistics are not decisive, but rather determination and motivation.”
Both San Siro giants have an Argentina international leading the way, so would Capello prefer to work with Gonzalo Higuain or Mauro Icardi?
“I already know Gonzalo well, as he arrived with me at Real Madrid in 2006. He still needed time to mature, but you could see he worked hard and already had great quality in his finishing.
“Icardi reminds me of Gabriel Batistuta, as he doesn’t particularly take part in much of the action outside the box, but he’s deadly inside the penalty area. He can also hit volleys like few in the world and is strong in the air too.
“I’m glad that the city of Milan can enjoy these two great centre-forwards in action.”
After this clash, Inter are up against Barcelona in the Champions League and Leo Messi is ruled out by a fractured arm.
“The Nerazzurri have a solid defence and the two comebacks against Tottenham and PSV Eindhoven really boosted their self-belief. I have confidence Inter can cause an upset, because Barcelona look very exposed in defence.”