Former AC Milan midfielder Walter Novellino discussed the upcoming derby between the Rossoneri and Inter, and the effect of Coronavirus on the match, in an interview with Italian radio broadcaster Radio Sportiva earlier today.
“It is difficult for a coach to prepare for a match like the Derby in this situation, with a mind far from clear. How do you train well in such chaos?
“I honestly don’t know if they will play the game. But the important thing is to take a clear position and not depending on what match it is. You have to decide, either they play or they don’t.”
He highlighted the stress and toll on the players’ mental health the Coronavirus is causing, and how it may be better to postpone the match.
“At the moment they can’t play peacefully, we are talking about men like us, who have a family and are afraid.
“They have to be careful, these are difficult decisions to make. Health comes first and many cases are occurring in our country now too.”
The Nerazzurri will be without six players who have tested positive for the virus, with the latest case being 35-year-old English veteran Ashley Young.
The player is now in quarantine in his house, the same situation as Milan Skriniar, Alessandro Bastoni, Roberto Gagliardini, Radja Nainggolan and Ionut Radu.
The Rossoneri will be without Matteo Gabbia who has also tested positive for COVID-19, although 39-year-old Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be available after returning two negative tests.
If Inter want to postpone the match, they would need to register four more positive cases, as regulation states that a minimum of 10 cases must be present in the squad.
