Fabio Capello has shared his belief that Inter are heading into this weekend’s second Derby della Madonnina of the season with AC Milan the stronger of the two sides.
Inter won the first meeting between the clubs earlier on in the season 2-0 and come into this game in second place whilst AC Milan come into this game in eighth place but in a far better state than they did the first derby with new manager Stefano Pioli’s work beginning to now bear fruit.
“The derby is a difficult game. At this moment Inter seem stronger, but it is always a different game, there are players who turn up for derbies,” he explained as he appeared in Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia’s studios earlier on today.
“The presence of Ibrahimovic will be very important for Milan, I would call him the shepherd who leads the flock. When he is not there, the team loses consistency and is afraid. In San Siro everything becomes more difficult.”
Capello, who managed a whole host of teams during his managerial career including AC Milan and the England national team, then discussed Inter’s season so far.
“There can be no more excuses, they have two players for all positions. The hope is that the players do not think of being starters but followers of the manager.
“I know Young, he has dynamism. I had Tottenham buy Eriksen but Inter already have a similar player to him in Sensi. I am crazy about him and Barella, they will decide the fortunes of the national team.”
The 73-year-old, who last managed Jiangsu Suning, concluded by discussing the gap between Inter and Juventus, who have won the last eight Serie A titles straight and are targeting a ninth straight.
“The gap has narrowed, Inter have something more from a defensive point of view. Juve must hope that one of the two centre backs will not be injured. Inter have got closer.”
