The Derby della Madonnina is upon us, and Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi is urging his players to forget about past glories and focus on the present. Despite Inter’s impressive run of six consecutive derby victories, Inzaghi has cautioned his team against complacency as they prepare to face their city rivals AC Milan on Sunday.
Inter is currently in strong form, having earned eight points from their first four Serie A matches. AC Milan, on the other hand, has had a shaky start to the season, securing only five points and putting pressure on manager Paulo Fonseca.
Inzaghi, speaking at a press conference on Saturday, highlighted the importance of a focused performance: “We mustn’t think about past derbies. They are only cherished memories, and you don’t get points for memories. We are up against a very strong team with good players.” He went on to add, “Derbies often defy predictions. We need to be better on the day, focusing on every detail.”
The derby comes at a critical time for Inter, following their strenuous 0-0 draw against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday. Inzaghi acknowledged the importance of the match for their fans and the need for a special performance: “We know what the derby means to our fans, and we need a special performance from Inter.” He also expressed optimism that the match could provide a boost for his players after the demanding Champions League fixture: “After expending a lot of energy against Manchester City, a fixture like this can help us find reserves of strength we didn’t know we had.”
Inzaghi revealed he has been carefully considering player selection, aiming to strike a balance between domestic and international fixtures while managing player fatigue. “Champions League matches drain you both mentally and physically. So far this season, we’ve seen smaller clubs pose significant challenges to the bigger teams.” He emphasized his respect for all his players, stating, “All the players are first choices, and I respect them all. I have a few doubts and will decide tomorrow.”
The Inter coach concluded by acknowledging the importance of improving their final ball and finishing: “We are working on improving our final ball and finishing. Recognising Milan as a strong opponent, we need to navigate many uncertain situations carefully.” The Derby della Madonnina promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams aim for a crucial victory in the early stages of the Serie A season.
