Nothing beats playing in the Milan derby when you’re at Inter, according to the Nerazzurri’s legendary former defender Beppe Bergomi.
Tomorrow’s clash against AC Milan gives Antonio Conte’s side a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the top of Serie A to four points.
It is arguably the most important Derby della Madonnina in a decade and Bergomi cannot wait to watch it.
“For me, the derby has always been the best match, the most heartfelt one and the one I always wanted to play in,” he explained in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia on Friday.
“The derby has always been a match between two teams ready to do battle, with a bit of banter but never going too far.
“There was always a particular atmosphere for these games.
“I remember marking Patrick Kluivert in my last derby and it’s a good memory, because we won with a double from Diego Simeone and a goal from Ronaldo.”
Bergomi had a starring role in Inter’s derby win in December 1988, setting up Aldo Serena to score in a 1-0 win.
“I remember it well, we’d just been knocked out of the European Cup by Bayern Munich and that match against AC Milan was decisive for us,” he recalled.
“We didn’t have many weapons in those years whereas they were very strong.
“But suddenly Serena sent the ball forward and then got into the box to score from my cross.
“After that we parked the bus, as people say nowadays, and won 1-0, before going on to win the Serie A title.
Bergomi also shared his views on the present day, arguing in-form Inter were unlikely to have things all their own way tomorrow.
“The line-ups of Inter and Milan are both clear, they have a precise identity,” he argued.
“They are both prepared and ready for this match.
“Conte always makes his mark and chooses his team calmly, giving certain players confidence and never taking it away.
“It’s going to be a good game despite AC Milan’s draw against Red Star Belgrade last night, where Stefano Pioli rested his best players.”
Bergomi was then asked if the Rossoneri, who are technically playing at home, could be disadvantaged in this weekend’s big match by the absence of supporters.
“Not having the fans this season might have helped some of their players who’d have struggled to cope with the San Siro crowd getting restless, but everyone would want to hear their support now,” he argued.
“They are two teams that have been at the top of the table for a long time and both teams are used to having large average attendances.
“Having fans would have given AC Milan an advantage in this derby, so it’s only fair the fans aren’t there just like they weren’t for Inter’s home game in October.”
The former Italy defender also touched upon Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s argument during last month’s derby, suggesting the pair should consider making peace before kick-off.
“I understand it would difficult as it could be a decisive match for the Scudetto,” Bergomi admitted.
“If Inter win, they can pull away while AC Milan can lead again if they win.
“But two characters like them could make a nice gesture and lower the temperature, allowing everyone to focus on the match without fuelling fresh controversies.”
