Monza CEO Adriano Galliani was overjoyed to see Milan and Inter battle it out in the Champions League semi-finals, highlighting the unique nature of the derby.
The two Milanese outfits will battle it out in the tensest Derby della Madonnina in decades next month for a spot in the Champions League final, where they’ll face the winner of Real Madrid-Manchester City.
The progression of the two Milan teams, as well as Napoli’s Champions League quarter-final, and the work of Juventus and Roma in the Europa League, has led many to call this the start of a renaissance period for Italian football.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset, Galliani first discussed what makes the city of Milan unique in football.
“Meanwhile Milan has something that no other city in Europe has, no other city has two teams that have won the Champions League, even if some, like Madrid, have made finals.
“Then it is very nice for Italian football, although I won’t say what I think because I have a very good relationship with Inter, that a team from Milan makes the Champions League final.”
He confirmed that he would be supporting the Rossoneri in the Champions League semi-final.
“Thirty-one years of Milan cannot be forgotten.”
Finally, Galliani commented on the fact that this Champions League final would be played in Istanbul, the hosts of Milan’s infamous Champions League final loss to Liverpool in 2005.
“15 days ago I was having dinner in Madrid with Ancelotti, we were reminiscing about all the games, the finals and we remembered that the final this year is in Istanbul.”