By: Ali Eshqabadi
Former Inter Milan defender Daniele Adani believes today’s Inter side is more than their AC Milan counterpart.
Adani made the remarks in an interview published in yesterday’s print edition of Milan-based Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan-based Inter news site FcInterNews reported.
The former Fiorentina and Lazio defender is part of the Inter team that lost to AC Milan the last time the two Milan giants met in the Champions League semi-finals, in 2002/2003.
On this occasion, the Rossoneri qualified thanks to the away goals rule and ended up winning the tournament after a penalty shootout against Juventus at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Adani argued that just as this Milan team is bigger than his Inter team, this time, however, the Nerazzurri are bigger than their city rivals, at least on paper.
“I think we can say without problems that this AC Milan team is more powerful than us, just like this Inter team is lately incredible for their cousins on paper.
“Everyone feels pressure, adding the players. But Inzaghi, he deserves everything he has done as Inter coach, he has a more powerful team and the Cups and Super Cups won so far are not enough.
“Pioli, on the other hand, won a wonderful Scudetto,” Adani said.
Adani believes the midfield war will be key in determining who qualifies for the Champions League final, identifying 3 key midfielders from AC Milan and Inter Milan.
“Since Milan, I have selected Bennacer. Il is the most skilled player, with his urgent tip and his ability to play from a defensive phase to an offensive phase.
“From Inter, I the two mezz’ale [central midfielder], Barella and Mkhitaryan, because they know perfectly how to capitalize on the weaknesses of their opponents. “
The former Italy defender also felt the time had come for Simone Inzaghi to release Romelu Lukaku against Edin Dzeko against Milan.
“At the moment, Romelu has done enough to at least cast doubt on Simone Inzaghi’s mind. I hope the Inter coach doesn’t start the derby attack based on preconceived ideas, but on who is logically the most productive at the moment. “.
“As a defender I would be more afraid of Lukaku. Dzeko works more as a link and structure player, favoring the careers of his teammates, but the Belgian, if fit, can stop one-on-one.
Adani also argued that Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez are among the most damaging striker duos in all of European football, so naturally the Portuguese winger’s absence would be a blow to AC Milan.
“[Leao’s absence would weigh heavily on Milan] because Pioli has his team around him, creating one of the most damaging attacking wings in all of Europe with him and Theo on the left.
“But above all, he’s the guy who hurts the team even when he’s under pressure. Napoli know it well, the Rossoneri are a kind of pre-emptive attack, with Rafa positioning himself to temporarily change the game. “
“Milan is not a great team without Rafa. But the win against Lazio showed that the Rossoneri are physically and mentally prepared for the derby,” Adani concluded.
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