Paolo Maldini trusts Milan ‘feel closer to Inter’ than they were last season and have above all else become a team. ‘Above all else, we showed courage.’
The Derby della Madonnina kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Paolo Maldini trusts Milan ‘feel closer to Inter’ than they were last season and have above all else become a team. ‘Above all else, we showed courage.’
The Derby della Madonnina kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“Our recent history started in the post-lockdown period. It’s impossible to stay unbeaten for the whole year, but we have already faced down teams that are stronger and I feel above all else we showed courage. When you have courage, fortune tends to favour the brave,” the director told Sky Sport Italia.
“We found some stability, the coach remained the same, we built on what we were doing and while we might not be the best side in Serie A, we are now a team. That unity is something that stands us apart at this moment in time.”
Have Milan closed the gap on their city rivals or did it increase?
“It was a strange season. In purely numerical terms, the gap was larger last term, but we feel much closer to Inter and the leading pack. We feel that we’re closer to their level now and want to keep it going.
“Inter are probably the Scudetto favourites, as they have the most strength in depth of any other team, while another year has gone by with Antonio Conte and gaining experience.”
Maldini was also asked about the talks with Gianluigi Donnarumma for a new contract, seeing as it is running down yet again.
“We have others in this situation, such as Calhanoglu and Ibra. We are facing these scenarios, but also focusing our minds on Serie A and the Europa League, because it’s too easy to get distracted.
“Milan must try to keep these players, we’ll see if we manage that. It’s a negotiation, both parties have to be happy in order to reach an agreement.”