Although it is only a friendly, the Milan-Inter Derby remains a fixture of enormous significance, even in the summer and thousands of kilometres away from Italy. This time, it carries even greater meaning as it comes just one day after the funeral of legendary captain Franco Baresi. It is symbolic that Milan's first match following the passing of the iconic Rossoneri No. 6 will be against their city rivals. Baresi will be honoured appropriately, and the team will look to pay tribute to him on the pitch, with the Portuguese contingent expected to play a leading role.
Milan, who take on Inter today at 13:00 Italian time at Optus Stadium in Perth, could showcase a strong Portuguese influence. Ruben Amorim will be on the touchline, while two of his fellow countrymen are expected to start the match.
The Italian newspaper Quotidiano Sportivo ran the following headline:
"Amorim starts Ramos and welcomes back Leao."
Both Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leao are expected to be named in the starting XI and play together from the opening whistle. The newspaper's headline reads more broadly: "A Derby from another world: Milan and Inter rehearse their city clash in Perth."
