Simone Inzaghi and Stefano Pioli have both held their customary pre-match press conferences ahead of the Derby della Madonnina on Saturday evening and Peter Young picks ten key quotes from their chats with the media.
The two coaches discussed a range of topics, including their past records in the derby, team selection and the importance of key players Lautaro Martinez and Rafael Leao.
As both sides are the only two teams in Serie A to have recorded perfect starts so far in 2023-24, this will be the first time that Inter and Milan have played against each other while tied at the top of the table.
However, when it comes to recent results between the Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri, one team has a vastly superior record heading into Saturday’s clash.
In fact, Inter won all four of the games between the two teams in 2023, with Milan failing to register a goal in any of the fixtures across the Supercoppa Italiana final, the Serie A game and the two legs of the Champions League semi-final.
Key Quotes – Inzaghi
Recent history – “I am proud to have won some derbies last season, especially because they led us to the Champions League Final, but what we did in the past is not enough to win tomorrow.”
Davide Frattesi – “We wanted Davide at all costs, he has settled in well and has been working well with his teammates for two months now.”
Team selection – “I have decisions to make and I am happy to do so. There was a moment last season when I had no choices, but then the situation changed and Inter improved.
“Frattesi and Nicolò Barella have played together during the pre-season. They have proved they can do so with Inter and Italy. We’ll see. I am only concerned about making decisions for the team’s good. It’s not a problem for me.”
“We know how much the derby counts for all. I hope Cuadrado and Sanchez will be available, from Sunday, we’ll focus on the Champions League.”
Injuries – “We’ll play seven games in 22 days. I’d be happy to have all the players available, but it won’t be easy. Everyone’s training well. I think everyone will be available tomorrow, then I’ll make decisions.
“I always have doubts. Even more today,” Inzaghi continued.
Lautaro Martinez – “I only saw Lautaro for 30 minutes yesterday. I’ll see Cuadrado and Sanchez today. I must make my assessments. Some played 180 minutes, others 45. I’ll decide tomorrow.”
Key Quotes – Pioli
Recent history – “I don’t care about the last derbies, I only care about tomorrow. Otherwise, we could talk about the title we won, contrary to Inter. The only thing that matters is putting the best solution for our playing style into practice.”
Injuries and suspensions – Pierre Kalulu is injured while Fikayo Tomori is suspended, so Pioli was asked if Milan’s identity will change with Simon Kjaer starting at centre-back.
“It doesn’t change, why should it change?” the coach asked.
Pioli added that Mattia Caldara could also remain out of action for some time, while Marco Pellegrino could be a backup for Theo Hernandez.
“Caldara has an ankle problem and I think he won’t be available for long.
“Marco is an aggressive and disciplined defender. He needs time to adapt as he used to play in a three-man defence. He can also play as a left-back.”
Fixture congestion – “I must manage my players in the best way. We’ll play many games in 21 days. We think about the derby now, from Sunday we’ll focus on Newcastle.”
Rafael Leao – “He has improved a lot and is becoming an increasingly decisive player. We need him to carry on like that tomorrow.”