AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has shared his belief that the gap between themselves and city rivals Inter has been reduced ahead of this weekend’s Derby della Madonnina.
AC Milan have made the perfect start to the 2020/21 Serie A season with them having picked up nine points from the nine available to them.
Inter have managed to start the season unbeaten but have not managed to do it in the perfect manner that the Rossoneri have with them having won two and drawn the other of their opening three matches this term.
“The gap with Inter has been reduced, because the club was so smart on the transfer market, even though naturally they too have strengthened over the summer,” the Italian national team shot-stopper, who has made over 200 appearances for AC Milan despite only being 21, told Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia earlier on today.
“The coach is doing great things, now it’s our chance to prove on the field that we’re closer to Inter. We can’t wait to step out there and show what we can do.
“We’re eager to make up for lost time and have a great derby. Sometimes you play well and don’t get a result, but this time, it’s the winning that counts.
“Inter are a great team and they have a great coach in Antonio Conte, so can do very well this year, but we can have our say too.
“I am very optimistic and we are not afraid. Doing well in the derby would give us such self-confidence going forward, as we’re only at the start of this season. It’s a young squad and has so much more to give.”
He also touched upon the fact Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return for the derby: “We all wanted Ibra to be here for this game and that’s what happened. We are happy and he’ll give us a big hand. I know he’s really fired up for this match.”
AC Milan currently sit top of the Serie A table whilst Inter are sitting in fourth heading into Saturday evening’s clash at San Siro which is scheduled to kick off at 6pm local time.