Pippo Inzaghi gives his Milan Derby predictions and urges Zlatan Ibrahimovic to take the Number 9 jersey, thus removing the “curse.”
The former hitman is now the coach of runaway Serie B leaders Benevento, but none of the forwards who inherited the shirt after his retirement have managed to make an impact.
“If someone scored with the Milan Number 9 on his back, then I am happy,” assured Inzaghi on Sky Sport Italia.
Pippo Inzaghi gives his Milan Derby predictions and urges Zlatan Ibrahimovic to take the Number 9 jersey, thus removing the “curse.”
The former hitman is now the coach of runaway Serie B leaders Benevento, but none of the forwards who inherited the shirt after his retirement have managed to make an impact.
“If someone scored with the Milan Number 9 on his back, then I am happy,” assured Inzaghi on Sky Sport Italia.
“So let’s end this ‘curse.’ It’s not right to retire the Number 9, because someone must always wear it, but I hope that Ibra – if he stays – decides to take it on, because he’s got broad enough shoulders to carry it off.”
When Ibrahimovic arrived in January, the shirt was assigned to Krzysztof Piatek, who has since been shipped out to Hertha Berlin.
“I was convinced Ibra would bring a lot to this team, even before his first goal, because he would never have accepted a return unless he was at 100 per cent. I know him and how much he cares about his profession, how he loves a challenge, but also winning.
“I hope it’s a great derby on Sunday and I’ll be happy if Milan win. Unfortunately, it’s playing at the same time as Benevento, so it’ll be strange not being able to watch it.”
While Milan have Ibrahimovic, Inter’s centre-forward in the Derby della Madonnina is Romelu Lukaku.
“They are the most representative players, but there are others who can make the difference too,” continued SuperPippo.
“Antonio Conte’s Inter are doing very well and I had no doubts about that, knowing the mentality of this coach. Milan are getting back on track and I hope Stefano Pioli can keep improving.