Inter are favourites to win tonight’s Milan derby in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, according to legendary former AC Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta.
The two sides are due to lock horns later on today for what will be the second time in the 2020-21 season and the winner of the tie will take on the winner of the game between Juventus and SPAL in the semi-finals of the competition.
Both sides come into the match at San Siro having not won in their previous games but Costacurta, who spent virtually his entire career with AC Milan, thinks both sides may have been saving themselves a little for this match, which, as always, promises to be a great match.
“I believe that subconsciously the two teams saved a little something for the derby,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
“The league matters more, but the derby takes away a lot of energy.
“I still remember the two UEFA Champions League semi-final derbies in 2003 which affected a whole month of work.
“Antonio Conte is a fighter and this is his strength.
“Inter are not consistent but are favourites in the derby.
“If AC Milan are more entertaining, Inter are more ready.
“The off-field issues at the club will not have a big impact on performances.”
The former Italian international was also asked who he prefers between Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“I would prefer to mark Ibra.
“He is formidable in the air but Lukaku is devastating, he is fast and moves a lot.”
Costacurta also shared his views on the race for the Serie A title which has been one of the most open and competitive title race in Italy’s top flight in several years.
“I believe that the race for the Scudetto is an open one between the two Milanese clubs, Juve and a fourth team that I have not yet decided upon.”
