Diego Milito underlined how the Derby della Madonnina can ‘give momentum’ and suggested Inter were ‘slight favourites’ over Milan.
Both teams have started the new season near-flawlessly, putting them both on nine points at the top of the Serie A table. Both are desperate to take back the Scudetto this campaign after Napoli’s success last term, adding extra weight to this derby.
The two Milanese clubs met in the Champions League semi-final last season, which saw Inter progress to Istanbul after winning 3-0 on aggregate, taking victory in both legs.
Speaking on page 12 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Milito first discussed why he believes Inter are favourites over Milan.
“Balanced, I don’t see one team dominating over the other. I think Inter are slight favourites. They are playing well, confidence is at its highest and in matches like these it’s something that makes the difference. The players know they are strong, I saw them determined in the first three games.”
He touched on the lasting impact of the Derby della Madonnina.
“A win in matches like that can give momentum, no doubt. I like to say that there is always a before and after of a derby.
“Whoever wins this time can fly and at the same time make the opponent doubt.”
The former striker highlighted how the Nerazzurri’s Champions League campaign last season has fired Simone Inzaghi’s squad up.
“That’s exactly right. Istanbul was a defeat on the pitch, but in reality, it produced a leap forward in the minds of all the players.
“The team gained confidence, gained experience, and these two aspects Lautaro and his teammates take to the pitch. That’s why I feel like saying that Inter will have a great run in the league.”
Milito discussed the decision to make Lautaro Martinez captain.
“I’m overjoyed for him! He’s proving to be a great leader. To tell the truth, he was one even without the armband. But now it’s as if he has obtained the certification of what he represents for Inter.
“I partly know what that means, I happened to be captain a few times last season. But I had Pupi (Zanetti, ed.) and other great players in front of me…”
He was asked if he was surprised by Romelu Lukaku’s behaviour this summer.
“Yes, very much. I was disappointed by the way, the way the player made his choice. Inter were still betting on him, he had done very well with the Nerazzurri.
“He was treated well by everyone, even the fans welcomed him back after his return from Chelsea… that’s why I was disappointed. Fortunately, Thuram arrived…”
The former striker praised new signing Marcus Thuram.
“He made a very good impression on me. He has great potential, you can see it when you see him move.
“And with Lautaro you can see a great feeling, Lauti is exceptional in this too, he makes those close to him play well.”
He touched on how Inter could silence Milan striker Olivier Giroud.
“By forcing him out of the penalty area, by shortening the team until the Frenchman is out of the 16 metres. Because in there, it’s a problem to contain him.”
Finally, Milito underlined Inter’s most important players for this derby.
“Trivial to say Lautaro. I would say Dimarco, Bastoni and Calhanoglu, a great intuition of Inzaghi as a regista. But Inter have plenty in every department. And watch out for Frattesi…”