Interviewed by the notebooks of La Gazzetta dello Sport, former Inter player Marco Materazzi spoke about his former team and also about Milan ahead of Sunday evening's derby.
It’s a derby at opposite ends, given how Inter and Milan are arriving. What does that mean? What risks do the Nerazzurri face?
"Well, usually it’s a disadvantage to approach the derby this way; typically, the team that is worse off wins. But let’s talk about Inter. We’re talking about a team that has been the strongest in Italy for the past two years: regardless of who plays, the identity is always the same. Manchester has been exemplary in this regard."
What is the risk to avoid on Sunday?
"Not thinking about the six consecutive derbies already won, because that would make you enter the field too lightly, and that wouldn’t be a good thing. Those are matches that always have certain components that escape logic. That said, I have the seventh victory in my mind; I know well what it would mean. And then there’s that number..."
What do you mean?
"It’s played on the 22nd... like April 22, right? That’s a good sign for Inter."
What midfield do you expect against Milan? Materazzi said:
"Barella-Calhanoglu-Mkhitaryan. Did you see the match Nicolò played against City? It’s clear why Guardiola wanted him. For me, he’s at Rodri’s level; it’s a different role, but he’s at that level."
Did you hear Zlatan Ibrahimovic's words? He said he’s the boss and calls the shots...
"Honestly, it doesn’t impress me at all. Let’s say those are words that are part of the character. As an Inter fan, I hope Milan never rehires Paolo Maldini..."
