Giunti remembers 6-0 win against Inter and previews the derby: “Allegri is a master”

The former Milan player and coach Federico Giunti has shared his thoughts on tomorrow’s Derby Della Madonnina, having played a key role in that fixture himself back in the day. 

Giunti played as a defensive midfielder for Milan between 1999 and 2001, having joined the club from Parma. He won the Scudetto just six months into his tenure in the club (he was signed in January) and then played from start in the Rossoneri’s biggest derby win ever.

Of course, we are talking about the 6-0 win in the spring of 2001, in which Guinti even found the back of the net with a nice (albeit slightly lucky) free-kick. Once the player career was over, the now 54-year-old took on a few managerial roles and even managed Milan’s Primavera side at one point.

In short, despite not being at the club for long, Guinti knows what the red and black colours mean and especially how important the derby is. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he shared his thoughts on the derby and that wonderful win back in 2001.

On the big derby win…

“I actually couldn’t even dare to hope for such a clear victory because less than two months earlier, we had changed coaches [Cesare Maldini replacing Zaccheroni] and because the season hadn’t gone so well. That win relaunched us.”

Milan fans still remember that 6-0…

“After the first two goals, Gattuso grabbed my hair and pulled it because of his determination. Then I scored the free kick for the third goal and he simply hugged me (laughs).

“Rino is like a little brother to me: I was the captain of Perugia, who were promoted from Serie B to Serie A [in 1995-96] when he was not even eighteen and was already in the first team. It’s a shame that he disappeared to go to Scotland…”

Allegri was also in that Perugia….

“He was next to me in midfield, and even though I wore the armband, he was the real leader and captain. We achieved promotion together, but Max left the following year in January. It’s a shame because he had an incredible personality.”

So do you agree with Milan’s decision to bring him back in the summer?

“Allegri is a master at putting things right and bringing serenity to the group. Milan needed him after last season’s results: now the players are forced to give their all because there are no more excuses. Max is a true winner. It wasn’t possible to find a better coach.”

In the summer of 2001, you left the Rossoneri, who won the Champions League in 2003. Any regrets?

“I still had a contract with Milan who would have kept me, but Mazzone wanted me at Brescia, and Roberto Baggio’s pressure pushed me to say yes. In hindsight, I wouldn’t make that choice again because I went from a team which I had won the 1998-99 Scudetto with to one that was fighting for survival: the change in mentality was significant for me, and I had to adapt.”

At Brescia, you had Tare as a teammate…

“He was a physically strong centre-forward and a good point of reference up front. He alternated with Toni and scored goals. Igli understands football and is making a great contribution to Milan.”

If you had to explain to the new Milan signings what the derby means, what words would you use?

“It’s a special match that, in my day, the club also prepared for meticulously. Under Berlusconi and Galliani, the club was managed by a family, and we as players only had to think about the pitch: the rest, from school for the children to babysitting, including choosing a house and car, was taken care of by someone from Milan.

“We all felt compelled to give more than 100%. Always, but especially in the derbies, which were special matches where the fans pushed you to shed every last drop of sweat. When you saw certain choreographies in the stands, it gave you goosebumps.”

What game do you expect tomorrow?

“A competitively tense match. Don’t ask me about the result or the favourite, but with Allegri, Milan will arrive fully charged and prepared.”

Who will be decisive for the Rossoneri?

“Modric, for me, is… football. When he touches the ball, it’s a spectacle.”

And for Inter?

“The four forwards all complement each other perfectly. Whoever Chivu chooses, he can’t go wrong. Lautaro, however, is the most dangerous.”

Will the season be a long derby for the Scudetto?

“Absolutely yes. The standings are tight, and after the change of coach, Juve are not out of the running because Inter and Roma have already lost three games.”