Giorgio Chiellini believes the Champions League semi-final tie between Milan and Inter will be ‘balanced’ but that the Nerazzurri ‘have an advantage’.
The Rossoneri and Nerazzurri will battle it out in the most important Derby della Madonnina clashes in decades next month for a spot in the Champions League final, where they’ll face the winner of Real Madrid-Manchester City.
In the three Milan derbies that have occurred this season – two in Serie A and one in the Coppa Italia – Inter have won twice and Milan once, putting a little extra pressure on Stefano Pioli’s squad ahead of the tie.
Speaking to Discod, Chiellini first looked ahead to the Champions League semi-final between Milan and Inter.
“The Milan derby will be a balanced semi-final, but if I have to bet €1, I’ll put it on Inter. I think the Nerazzurri have an advantage because I see them stronger in this type of match.”
He was then asked what the final could look like for one of the two Milanese clubs.
“My prediction for this year’s final is Inter-Manchester City. Here too we are on a razor’s edge because the other semi-finalist, Real Madrid, are also very strong.
“But I think that eventually Manchester City will have to reach the final sooner or later, so I would bet another €1 on the Inter-Manchester City final.”
Inter booked their spot in the Champions League semi-final after beating Benfica in the quarter-finals, whilst Milan edged out a 2-1 aggregate win over Serie A winners-in-waiting Napoli.