Marco Materazzi has urged Inter’s players to give every last drop of their body to win tomorrow’s Milan derby.
Antonio Conte’s side head into the big match at San Siro with a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the top of Serie A to four points.
Materazzi knows what it takes to secure victory in the Derby della Madonnina and explained how heart and determination counted more than anything else.
“The derby is beautiful because there is a very calm atmosphere, but on the pitch it’s a bloody battle,” he said in an interview on Friday for Serie A’s official You Tube channel.
“I’ve always been someone who has lived football in a strong and decisive, sanguine way.
“It is no coincidence that everyone remembers maybe some of my misconduct.
“There were some players who had to be stopped and in order to get the three points you must be willing to die on the pitch for your team.
“The important thing for Serie A is that the Milan clubs are back on top.”
The 2006 World Cup winner went on to recall some of his memories from playing in the derby, reminiscing on some of his battles with AC Milan’s legendary midfielder and current Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso.
“I have good and bad memories and have had victories and defeats,” Materazzi continued.
“I was lucky enough to play and face great champions.
“In those years AC Milan were really strong.
“The most beautiful derby is the one in October 2006 when I scored.
“It ended 4-3, I got the fourth and we won.
“I remember all the games with Gattuso.
“Everyone knew our story, he grew up under my wing and he never hid the fact we were friends.
“On the pitch we weren’t friends and we proved it, but off it we were like brothers.”
Materazzi, who made no less than 276 appearances for the Nerazzurri during his time with the club, then addressed recent comparisons made between Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
“They are very different and similar,” he suggested.
“One became an Interista right to his core while the other I hope will soon become that by winning something.
“Mourinho has entered the history of Milan, the city and the club.
“He had a cold mind as a coach, but had the heart of a fan.
“When you win, it is normal that you enter the hearts of the fans.”
Materazzi also described Nicolo Barella as ‘a leader’ in a separate part of his interview, before warning Conte’s side they would need to be perfect in order to claim victory tomorrow.
