Former Inter striker Diego Milito discussed this evening’s derby between the Nerazzurri and AC Milan in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It always strikes you to see an empty stadium, to imagine yourself in such a big derby. In my career it happened to me only once to play behind closed doors, with Godoy Cruz, and I remember a bad feeling.

“But not for everyone it’s bad, if I need cheering, others can be reassured from not having pressure.”

He commented on how the Milan derby is different from others that he has played.

“We at Racing look closely at the Independiente stadium, it is something unique. Genoa reminds me a bit of Avellaneda, it is always a neighborhood derby.

“But the one in Milan is the most fascinating because the world looks at you and warns you.”

He also touched on how it felt to score a hattrick in derbies like the Milanese derby.

“One in Genoa and one in Milan, difficult to explain, I am lucky to have felt these emotions. To score a goal is difficult, to score three very difficult goals, to score three in a derby even more.

“But I owe everything to my teammates, without them I would not have scored so much in my career.”

The former Nerazzurri striker was not worried that seven players have tested positive for Covid-19 and won’t be able to play for Inter tonight.

“In 2010 we won 9 against 11. I am confident despite the absences because the roster is great and the coach has the right character to motivate in such a situation.

“Inter will find new stimuli and have a great game.”

Milito touched on what the first thing he thinks about is when he thinks of the derby.

“The first one I played, 4-0. There was anxiety, I felt it was something special, a dream come true.

“I scored a penalty, it remains one of the most beautiful memories of my career.”

He also spoke about a negative memory he has.

“The bitterness of the 3-0 in 2011, we were strong and, winning, we could fight for the Scudetto then Ibra’s Milan won.”

The former Inter striker spoke about what changed for Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez.

“He just needed time to explode, he showed his class right away, but after a year he improved. He is following the right path to become the top and the best is yet to come.”

Milito spoke further about the development of the 23-year-old Argentine forward.

“I don’t know how much there is of me in him. I have always tried to give him advice, but he has the right mentality, he listens a lot, he absorbs information and so he improves. The merit is his alone.

“He has become very complete, exceptional in the area, but he doesn’t wait for the ball, he looks for it and sacrifices himself for his partner.”

He refused to suggest that he made a difference in the transfer of Lautaro to Inter.

“I didn’t do anything, I was only consulted because of my closeness to Inter. Your arrival does not depend on me, but on your talent. Everybody wants a guy like that, Inter was just quicker to get him.”

The 2010 Treble winner commented on Barcelona’s interest in Lautaro.

“I only know one thing, he’s happy where he is. When I talk to him, I see him happy, he considers himself in the right place.

“Then football changes and the top players always have offers, any decision is up to him alone.”

He suggested that Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku has helped Lautaro further grow and improve.

“A lot, because Lukaku is a huge forward and those two are made to play together, they complement each other perfectly.

“And watch out for Sanchez, I like him very much, this Inter really has a great attack.”

Milito did not want to compare 21-year-old Moroccan Achraf Hakimi with Maicon.

“I never like to make comparisons between players of different ages. Let’s not load him up too much, but Inter has found a formidable wing back, for the attackers, one like him is gold.”

The 41-year-old thought the arrival of Arturo Vidal to Inter was good for the club.

“Yes, Conte already knew him, together they had done and they will do very well. Technically and personally, he makes the difference.”

He touched on other targets that coach Antonio Conte wanted.

“The great players are always welcome, but the Inter roster is already so complete, deep. Conte is the only one who knows what is really needed, but, as a fan, I am happy because he can compete until the end.

“Let’s hope it will be a good year, the gap with Juve has narrowed.”

Milito commented on Antonio Conte’s career and how it is important that he stayed with the Nerazzurri.

“Yes, we won for the first time in that stadium. Conte has maintained his character, his imprint, his competitive DNA has allowed him to win so much and that doesn’t change.

“Maybe over the years he can soften up, but he remains the right coach to win. I’m glad he stayed, it made no sense to interrupt such a positive path.”

He was not surprised that Conte took the Inter job last year.

“No, I was only surprised to see Inter far from the summit in these years.”

He also thought that this Inter squad was close to the level of the one he won many trophies with.

“Yes, but it is the victories that will certify it. It is certainly a team that has returned to the highest level.”

The former Inter striker revealed which current players he would have liked to play with.

“I’ve already played with Lautaro and we were great. It’s not nice to name other names, but Lukaku and Sanchez would be great teammates.”

Finally, Milito dreamed of seeing Lionel Messi join Inter next year.

“You have to believe it, you live on dreams. Why not imagine him at Inter, a team made for the Argentineans and in which Messi would do very well?”