Former Inter and AC Milan full back Francesco Coco has shared his thoughts ahead of this weekend’s Derby della Madonnina between the clubs in an interview with CalcioMercato.it.
He firstly spoke on what it is like to play in the derby at San Siro.
“The derby is always the derby and I’m sure there will be a fantastic atmosphere on Sunday. San Siro, when full, has a special charm, it will be a great match,” he said.
He then spoke on how form tends to go completely out the window when the derby is played and how it needs to be faced.
“The league standings counts for little when you play such games. You have to feel the derby, otherwise you won’t win it. It’s one of those games that are won with the heart.
“It is also true that now it feels a little less like from when we played it. Now, there are many foreigners, so the game is perceived differently.”
Coco then went on to share his thoughts on Inter.
“Inter have proven to be a tough and organised team, who have also strengthened significantly in the market. Now, with the new signings, they have gotten even closer to Juventus.
“However, the Bianconeri remain one step above and Conte’s team will not be able to make any missteps, both in the derby and in the other matches to come.
“If they want to play for the Scudetto until the end, they must keep up without ever slowing down. If you give Juventus some points advantage, it becomes almost impossible to recover them.”
He also spoke on which side he believes are better heading into the derby.
“Inter are certainly better than Milan, in terms of their place in the table, quality and team organisation.”
Coco started his career with AC Milan and spent seven years in their first team between 1995 and 2002. He moved to Inter in 2002 and would spend five years with the club before retiring in 2007 as he wanted to pursue a career in acting.
He made a combined 121 appearances between the clubs and won three trophies as he won two Serie A titles with AC Milan and won the Coppa Italia with Inter.