Next month’s Milan derby could have a decisive impact on this season’s Serie A title, according to former Inter and AC Milan defender Fulvio Collovati.
Antonio Conte’s side beat the Rossoneri 2-1 in a dramatic Coppa Italia quarter-final last night and the sides will square up once again in the league on February 21.
Speaking to FCInter1908.it, Collovati shared his belief that the Scudetto will be back in Milan come the end of this season, for what would be the first time since AC Milan won the 2010-11 Serie A title.
“I have the feeling that the Scudetto will return to Milan and I believe that the second derby in the league will say a lot about the outcome of the league,” he explained.
“Stefano Pioli’s team remains the real surprise of the season.
“Inter have already taken more self-esteem with the win over Juventus and the victory in the derby yesterday has obviously accentuated this even more.
“Conte has important substitutes with him able to call upon the likes of Christian Eriksen, Stefano Sensi, Lautaro Martinez and others.”
Collovati then gave his views on the spat between Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic during Tuesday’s Derby della Madonnina, which has dominated the headlines today in Italy.
“Drama is fine for 20 seconds, but it can’t carry on for more than two minutes until they get back into the dressing room,” he said.
“I didn’t like the provocation and the reactions.
“The players know that today there are cameras, in my day it was not like that and maybe certain things did not emerge.
“This must be taken into account.
“Now I don’t want to be a moralist, because on the pitch sometimes there are things that lead you to certain reactions, but it had to end after 10 seconds.”
Collovati was then asked whether Eriksen’s winning goal in the derby can bring him back into Inter’s project, something he has been on the fringes of for some time now.
“Eriksen is an added value for Inter.
“In such a strange season, with very few goals from dead balls, it represents a great advantage to have someone like him available.
“The goal represents an injection of confidence for him and gives Conte the awareness of having more options to be able to win matches.”
Lautaro has struggled in front of goal as of late but Collovati said he would be surprised if the Argentine had lost his shooting boots permanently.
“I’d be surprised if he’s forgotten how to score.
“There are strikers scoring with every shot, he needs some more time, it’s just a momentary situation.”
In conclusion, Collovati was asked whether the off-field rumours regarding the possible sale of Inter could impact the players out on the pitch.
“I don’t think they can distract them in any way.
“The players know that with that elimination from the Champions League the goal is the Scudetto.
“There may be late wage payments, but the club is strong and will go into safe hands.
“Suning leaving is not a cause for concern.”
