Inter legend Maicon has described Sunday’s Milan derby as “a game like no other” and backed Luciano Spalletti to navigate the Nerazzurri through their upcoming tough run of fixtures.
Inter arrive at this weekend’s clash off the back of a six-match winning run in all competitions, but now face Milan, Barcelona and Lazio in the space of eight days.
However the Brazilian, who was coached by Spalletti during a brief spell at Roma, is confident they have the right boss to lead them through what could be a crucial period of their season.
“The weekend leading up to the derby is different to all the rest, as are the training sessions,” he told Inter TV. “It’s all special.
“Let’s hope we can play a great match and win: the team is doing well in the Champions League with a great coach that I worked under. He knows how to handle the big matches that are about to arrive.
Maicon also looked back on his own memories of playing in the derby, before speaking of his pleasure at being reunited with Inter’s 2010 treble heroes at an event in Milan last week.
“Scoring a goal in the derby is a feeling you never forget,” he said. “The one I scored in our 4-2 victory [in 2012] was great because we won the match, and winning the derby is always important regardless of how your season has gone.
“You don’t get many opportunities to meet up with your old teammates when everyone is at home and doing their own thing, so these occasions are special.
“We spent three hours talking to one another and had a great laugh.”
