Inter legend Sandro Mazzola has recalled growing up watching the Milan derby and when he played in it ahead of this weekend’s derby.
“It is the game of the year. I grew up watching Benito Lorenzi’s Inter, for him this was the most important match,” he told CalcioMercatoWeb.it.
“The week before Derby was an automatic retreat. He told us stories on stories and I grew up waiting for this game. When we played it, there were no excuses. We had to win to be the best in Milan.”
Mazzola then spoke on Inter manager Antonio Conte and what he has provided Inter with: “Conte has given a great mentality to this team. He has given his soul to Inter and given Inter an identity.”
Next Mazzola, who spent his entire playing career with Inter, discussed the race for the Serie A title which has been one of the most tightly contested races in recent years: “The Scudetto fight is difficult to predict, the rest will be seen after the Derby.”
He then spoke on Inter’s January transfer window recruits, including Christian Eriksen, who joined the club in a circa €20 million deal from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
“I am sure that new signings will make their mark, but it is too early to judge their impact. I like Eriksen very much and I think he is one of those players who can help the Nerazzurri.”
He concluded by speaking on a player of AC Milan’s who stands out to him and by giving his prediction for the match between the two great rivals.
“Ibrahimovic is a player of theirs that enchants me. He can create chances or decide games out of nothing. On Sunday I think AC Milan are favourites over Inter however maybe I am saying this to bring them bad luck.”
Mazzola is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever pulled on the Nerazzurri shirt. During his time with the club, he made no less than 557 appearances across all competitions in which he scored 160 goals.
