Inter legend Riccardo Ferri has revealed an amusing anecdote involving a former teammate ahead of Sunday’s Milan derby.
The Nerazzurri head into the third and final Derby della Madonnina of the season hoping to extend their lead over AC Milan to four points at the top of Serie A.
Discussing the clubs’ historic rivalry in an interview with Inter’s official TV channel, Inter TV, Ferri recalled a trick Nicola Berti used to play to psyche out the Rossoneri’s opponents before derby games.
“I have many anecdotes but one in particular stands out for me,” Ferri explained.
“There was a gym where the two teams started the warm-up and they shared the space.
“Arrigo Sacchi and Silvio Berlusconi’s AC Milan were one of the most successful teams in the world.
“But during the warm-up, Nicola Berti used to kick the ball towards the AC Milan side of the gym to provoke them, while they were focused on warming up or on tactical issues.
“There were a few glances, not threatening ones but annoyed ones.
“Berti never said hello to anyone, despite having been on national team duties with Franco Baresi, Roberto Donadoni and Paolo Maldini.
“All the pleasantries were postponed until the end of the game.”
Ferri, who spent nearly his whole playing career with Inter, then went on to discuss what it meant to him to be able to play in the Milan derby.
“For me, as for many in that period, playing a derby was a special thing,” he added.
“When the schedule came out at the start of the season, the first matches you went to look for were the two Milan derbies.”
Ferri debuted for Inter in 1981 and was a mainstay in the club’s defence for the next 13 years, before departing for Sampdoria after no less than 418 appearances across all competitions for the club.
Berti has also spoken in the media ahead of Sunday’s big match, admitting he sees similarities between himself and his midfield successor Nicolo Barella.
