Former Inter full back Maicon discussed this evening’s Derby d’Italia between the Nerazzurri and Juventus in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I never had any problems with the coaches. With the charge he transmits, I would have liked to have been led by Conte, something interesting would have appeared.”

The 38-year-old Brazilian then spoke about his famous goal against Juventus in 2010.

“Sure. It was in fact the Scudetto goal, it was a crucial moment. Let’s say that when faced them with a move like that, even the opponents stop and say ‘well, come on, it’s gone, we can’t do anything’. That’s it. This Juve-Inter reminds me of that challenge at the San Siro ten years ago.”

He confirmed that he thought tonight’s game was so important for this season’s title race.

“Yes, by the time that it arrives, yes. Inter need a success. And I’m convinced that Conte’s team can actually win the league.”

Maicon discussed Juventus forward Paulo Dybala and Inter striker Lautaro Martinez.

“The Juventus player is great, but I think Lautaro is better. When you have performances like his, it’s normal to have the greats of Europe following you. The same thing happened to me with Real Madrid.”

The 38-year-old then discussed former Inter striker Ronaldo.

“Ronaldo the phenomenon… he’s the strongest player I’ve ever played with.”

He revealed that he prefers Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi to Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

“For me Messi is number one, more than Cristiano.”

Maicon touched on his favourite coach, apart from Jose Mourinho.

“Guidolin. I had him at the Monaco, before moving on to Inter. He taught me a lot, I owe him a lot.”

He also revealed who his favourite members of the management were.

“I’ll name two names. Lele Oriali and Walter Sabatini, two great guys.”

Finally, Maicon spoke about rumours and stories he heard about himself off the pitch.

“They’d talk, I’d take snapshots on the field, 1,000 yards on 1,000 yards. That was my answer.”

Maicon spent six years with Inter in his career, between 2006 to 2012. The Brazilian full back made 249 appearances across all competitions for the Nerazzurri in that time, scoring 20 goals and providing 50 assists in that time.