Legendary Inter striker Roberto Boninsegna has shared his thoughts ahead of this weekend’s Derby D’Italia against Juventus, starting with the fact the game at the Allianz Stadium in Turin will be played behind closed doors in a bid to help combat Coronavirus.
“Playing behind closed doors is not a situation that I have ever experienced. Playing without fans means there is something missing from the game,” he remarked in an interview with Inter’s official club broadcaster Inter TV earlier on this evening.
“The players will need to take to the pitch already focused. The team that plays at home will be lacking the contribution of their fans and this will be a small advantage for Inter.
“Juventus versus Inter is a classic match and one you start to live a few days beforehand. For me however, the Milan derby was more important.”
Boninsegna then went on to share his views on Inter manager Antonio Conte, who will be returning to the Allianz Stadium for the first time as Inter manager.
“He did not leave Juventus on good terms and he will have a particular resentment. He will try to get a result. Losing is unthinkable, he will go to Turin to win.”
Boninsegna proceeded to discuss players he thinks could prove decisive for either team in Sunday night’s affair which many have tipped as being decisive in the race for the Serie A title.
“Juve have Ronaldo, Inter have Lautaro and Lukaku, who are a beautiful partnership, I was hesitant when Inter sold Icardi because getting rid of someone like him was not easy but I have changed my mind. Lautaro and Lukaku are a good partnership, they compliment each other and get along well.
“Will the match be decisive? It becomes decisive if Juve wins. Lazio have no commitments and their focus is only on the league. I hope Inter get a result.”
The now 76-year-old spent seven years with Inter between the years 1969 and 1976. He made a total of 276 appearances in his time with the club and is one of the club’s greatest ever goalscorers having netted a total of 167 goals.