Inzaghi: "We feel strong, the derby means a lot to us"

A little over 24 hours from Inter vs AC Milan, a matchday 5 fixture of Serie A, Simone Inzaghi spoke in a press conference to preview the clash set to take place at San Siro on Sunday, 22 September at 8:45 CEST. You described the performance in Manchester as gigantic, what have you asked of the team ahead of this derby? “We know what kind of game we’re going into, and we all know what the derby represents for us and for the fans. We will need a special Inter because we expended a lot of physical and mental energy in the Champions League match”.

In Manchester, you showed you’re among the best in Europe. What do you still need to prove? “A lot, the season has just started, and past derbies don’t count. They’re undoubtedly beautiful memories, but memories don’t earn points or score goals. We need maximum focus”. What kind of Milan are you expecting? “We’ll face a team that played well in their last home match. We’re focusing on ourselves and want to play with pace and determination because derbies go beyond all predictions, and the details make the difference”. Do you think you’ve managed the squad rotation well so far? Could a victory give AC Milan’s season a setback? “I’m focused on us. As for rotation, there are no guaranteed starters. I have 24 players at the moment, and I respect and consider them all. It’s up to them to make my decisions difficult”. How do you prepare for a derby after winning six of them? “We know that AC Milan has great players and are led by an excellent coach. We need to be organised and do what we know best". Do you think Fonseca will field a different AC Milan, maybe more defensive compared to Pioli’s teams? “AC Milan has varied a lot in these games, alternating between aggressive phases and more defensive ones. It will be an open match, deeply felt by both teams. Both we and they had a midweek match, so we need to manage the 90 minutes well”. Derbies defy predictions, but usually, the stronger team wins. Does Inter feel stronger? “We feel strong against anyone. The recent derbies have been positive for us, but only the present matters. It will be a very tough match, but it will be a fair derby”. Do you think there’s been a lack of ruthlessness from your side in recent games? “We’ve only scored one goal in the last two games, but we created a lot. We know we can always improve, and we’re working hard on finishing”.

Do you think matches against smaller teams will be decisive in this championship? “It’s normal for games like the one against City to take a toll physically and mentally. But I think championships are won in direct confrontations, and the matches against so-called smaller teams, which seem to trouble everyone this season, are hugely important”. Is Lautaro doubtful for tomorrow? Is his condition delayed? “There’s no issue with Lautaro. He’s a player who hasn’t stopped for a year, and he’s working really hard. Yesterday, he had a great training session, and if he’s fit, he’ll definitely start”.

What are the differences between the Milan derby and the Rome derby? “They’re two fantastic derbies. I played 14 in Rome, and they were thrilling games. I’ve played many in Milano as well, and the atmosphere is incredible. Both are full of emotions”.

Do you think Napoli, without European competitions this year, feels obligated to fight for the Scudetto? “I don’t know. Midweek matches are draining, that’s a fact. Surely, having the entire week to train is an advantage in terms of energy”. How is Dumfries? “He’s doing well, and he’s definitely competing with Darmian. It’s one of the doubts I’ll carry until tomorrow. I’ll always need to assess what the best choice is for each game”.

How is Palacios doing, and how is he working? “He’s working very well. He’s a player with great potential, watching his teammates closely. He has excellent technique and reads the game well. It’s a pleasure to see him work because he’s eager to learn in every training session. At the moment, we’re trying him alongside Bastoni on the left side of defence, but I think he could even play centrally”.

The film on the Second Star highlights the team’s sense of belonging. Do you think this has made a difference in these derbies? “My players have a strong sense of belonging. They’re connected to each other, to the fans, and to the jersey, and they always give something extra on the field”.