Serginho, the former Milan Brazilian flying full-back, spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport and discussed the Rossoneri season ahead of the derby. This is what he said:
"The team has changed its face with Ibra, of course, but also thanks to his work: he has given a clear game identity and the ability to believe in his own means."
Is Milan great again now?
"The road is marked, Paolo has done a great job. He has adapted to the philosophy of the ownership: young people to build a winning project. Milan dreams big thanks to him."
Will tonight's derby be a Scudetto test?
"Yes. The gap in the standings is minimal and the effects of a derby should not be underestimated. But we will win this one."
Are Inter more equipped than Milan?
"They have more experience. But the scudetto is won every Sunday , and Milan are the team with the most balance and continuity, and they are hungry for success."
Thoughts on Theo Hernandez, do you see better players than him in Europe in his role?
"I don't see anyone better than him. Would he have been on the bench with me? (Laughs) Difficult, they are different eras. Maybe I was more technical, but he has the body: a monster. We would have alternated, with Maldini further back."
On Ibrahimovic:
"These months are the fruit of a career as a true athlete: he takes care of every detail. I can imagine him in the Champions League: he will do great things even at 40."
On Mandzukic:
"If he's an ideal partner to Zlatan? He's more of an alternative. Ibra's partner is Leao because he has speed, instinct and the ability to open up spaces."
On Milan without Brazilian players:
"Milan has very technical players, they are very good in the vision of the game. But the Brazilian technique is another thing: it is absolute unpredictability, like a derby."
