3 weeks ago
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This weekend’s derby is a big one. AC Milan and Inter can strengthen their Scudetto credentials with three points. A draw would not be terrible, but it would widen the race.
The Derby della Madonnina is one of the most exciting games in the footballing calendar, and the past few years have been a mixed bag. Stefano Pioli struggled in almost every game against the Nerazzurri. However, this was not the case last year.
Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceicao both did not lose against Inter, and the Rossoneri are currently five games unbeaten against their biggest rivals. In that time, Milan won three times, with some late goals providing the difference.
The derby
It, perhaps, is the most interesting game in recent years between the two sides, and neither team can really afford to lose. Massimo Ambrosini, this morning, spoke about the game and his expectations, as Radio Rossonera relayed from his interview with La Repubblica.
“This is the derby I expect. Inter, who love to manoeuvre, will attack. Milan will be ready to counterattack and take all the space. How did Allegri prepare for important matches? He worked on his opponents’ weaknesses.
“He was good at replicating in matches what he practised in training. And he instilled confidence, banishing excuses and fear.”
Deciding factors…
“Where will the derby be decided? I’d choose the duel between Modric and Çalhanoglu, given that Chivu will push Çalhanoglu a lot on the opposing playmaker. And Inter’s defenders will have to contain Milan’s attacks.
“Modric fills the heart of anyone who loves football. Champions like him transcend colours; they are a gift. Along with Rabiot and Maignan, he is AC Milan’s charismatic leader. From a technical standpoint, Leao can also make a difference.
“My prediction? I’m never right. And not just with football: on Sunday, for example, I thought Alcaraz would win in straight sets in Turin.”
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