The tension is starting to grow palpable in the streets of the Lombardy capital as Milan and Inter gear up for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final derby.
The two sides will battle it out on May 10 at 20:00 UK time at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in San Siro, Milan.
All eyes were on Milan star Rafael Leao when the team took to the training pitches of Milanello, with the Portuguese winger’s condition in doubt after his early exit in the win over Lazio. The 23-year-old did take to the pitch on the morning before the game, but trained separately, only carrying out some running and light drills.
Italian journalist Manuele Baiocchini was present with other members of the media at Milanello and suggested to Sky Sports Italia that the Milan squad looked a little tense on the training pitch, remaining serious and quietly working intensely, a mood that wasn’t shared by their opponents.
In stark contrast, the Inter players looked far more relaxed and light-hearted in their training session in Appiano Gentile, smiling and joking around as they prepared for the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
Stefano Pioli stressed confidence when discussing Milan’s chances against Inter to the media, telling the journalists present in his press conference that Milan “eliminated Tottenham and Napoli” and “think we can eliminate anyone”.
He also noted, however, that this derby with Inter was “surely the most difficult” of their clashes this season, and did not provide much reassurance regarding Leao, admitting “he may or may not be there”.
Olivier Giroud seemed more excited ahead of Milan’s electric Champions League clash, calling it a “special match” and noting how he “likes playing in these games”. The French veteran, who has proven himself an important figure on the pitch, believes the European derby is a “great opportunity”, making his confidence felt.
Simone Inzaghi looked in control when speaking in his pre-match press conference, highlighting how this clash “is the derby”, being the most important Derby della Madonnina in recent memory. He was also confident that his players would show their best in the match, suggesting they “won’t shy away from the challenge”. The coach also said the availability of Leao “will not change our game plan”.
Federico Dimarco was thrilled to be taking part in Inter’s tie with Milan, calling it an “incredible feeling”. He felt that the Rossoneri are “a team we know well” and that the Nerazzurri will have to “prove to ourselves what we are worth”.