Former striker Christian Vieri weighed in on the winning cycle built at Inter and why Stefano Pioli deserves support at Milan.
The Nerazzurri are only a step away from securing their Scudetto, with a victory in the Derby della Madonnina being enough to mathematically secure the title. Their win will also earn a second star on their shirts, a major honour and one not shared by the Rossoneri.
Milan are in a difficult spot in the closing stages of this season, having little to play for following their Europa League quarter-final exit at the hands of Roma. Pioli is widely expected to be dismissed in the summer, having failed to match expectations in the Lombardy capital.
Vieri on Inter quality and Pioli trust
Speaking to Radio-TV Serie A via TMW, Vieri first discussed his expectations for Inter’s derby clash with Milan.
“I expect a great derby, great tension, a good match. Winning the Scudetto against Milan would be an incredible thing for Inter fans, for everyone, fans and players. Milan have exited the Europa League and are a bit at a last resort to save the season.
“For me, Leao is very strong and can play anywhere, he and Theo are two great champions, if they are well, they make the difference. This year Milan have lacked consistency but Inter are a super team with 22-23 very strong players, a phenomenal bench, it’s hard to beat them.”
He commented on the winning cycle built at Inter.
“To win and create a cycle it also takes a bit of time, in Italy there is often no patience. Last year Inter lost a lot of points along the way, this year they’ve been devastating from the start and Inzaghi was good at making use of the whole squad.
“The best player? Lautaro was devastating, Thuram was incredible, but Barella, Calhanoglu, Sommer, Dimarco and many others should also be mentioned. We always look at forwards, but leagues are also won with players with constant performance like Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni, Mkhitaryan.”
Finally, Vieri gave his support to Milan coach Pioli.
“I would always confirm him, he won a Scudetto, he reached a Champions League semi-final. This year, however, they’re second in the league, what more can he do. Many think that after four or five years it’s better to change, bring a bit of fresh air, but I’d think carefully before sending Pioli away.”
Obviously for Vieri is better to keep Pioli since Milan will go on being the laughing stock of the cousins.
Also, Lautaro was devastating against poor competition. In the UCL he was a clown Christian