Sandro Tonali believes reaching the Champions League semi-final is the ‘natural next step in our journey’ with Milan and Stefano Pioli, but warns they mustn’t ‘dive in with feet and hands’ against Inter.
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“I think this is the natural next step in our three-year journey with the coach and this squad,” Tonali told Amazon Prime Italia after securing the Scudetto well ahead of schedule last season.
The midfielder is a lifelong Rossoneri supporter, but he knows the dangers of letting the passion take over in an event like this.
“All 75,000 people who walk into San Siro give their all to help the team and we do the same. Having said that, if you dive in with feet and hands to these games, you can get hurt, so we need clear heads.”
This is the third time that the Derby della Madonnina has been played in the Champions League, after the semi-final of 2003 and the quarter-final in 2005.
While at the time it made a big difference whether the leg was home or away, now that the away goals rule has been scrapped, they can simply both enjoy the San Siro atmosphere.
“It was 20 years ago and now feels remarkable to be back here again. I hope we can create some remarkable memories and get kids listening to the audio of our wins in 20 years’ time.”
Tonali was asked if he would make a sacrifice in exchange for winning the Champions League, for example cutting off his hair?
“I won’t ever cut my hair! A tattoo, however, that is an option.”