Legendary former Inter and AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf believes that the Nerazzurri can boast more quality than the Rossoneri ahead of this evening’s massive first derby of the season, but that they could lack the necessary clinical edge.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the match, the Dutchman gave his thoughts on the two teams ahead of the match and emphasized both the technical and physical qualities in the squads and the mental strength required by the occasion.
Seedorf has played in the Milan derby on both sides, after having joined Inter when he initially came to Serie A, already a Champions League winner with Ajax and Real Madrid.
However, he moved to city rivals AC Milan after three seasons and established himself much more in a Rossoneri shirt, where he spent the bulk of his career, winning Serie A and the Champions League twice each.
“In this Serie A I see balance,” the Dutchman said, “the great teams are closer than ever. Milan imposes their game and defends 15-20 meters higher. This is an attitude that should also be adopted in Europe.”
He went on that “Inter lacks the killer instinct, they must learn to kill off games more quickly. Seven points behind is a lot, but those who chase always have more motivation to shorten the distance from the top.”
“They have time to do it,” he said of whether the Nerazzurri can get back into the Scudetto race. “I’m glad to see Dzeko at this level, he integrated seamlessly and erased post-Lukaku worries. He has to compete for the starting place, they have many strong and established players, in this sense even more than Milan.”
“This is why I would like them to be more determined in hurting the opponent,” the Dutchman went on, “too many times I see them manage a single goal advantage. Inzaghi is good and his Lazio could create lots of scoring chances, so can Inter as well.”
“But as he demonstrated in Rome, he needs time to convey his ideas,” Seedorf reflected. “Here he has even stronger players. He’ll just have to be able to withstand the pressures: he was at home there, Milan is another thing, he’s out of his comfort zone.”
Asked whether he considers Rossoneri midfielder Sandro Tonali or Nerazzurri midfielder Nicolo Barella to be better, he stated that “For the moment, the latter. He is mature, to become a top-tier player at an international level he only has to take one last step: approach all the games as a protagonist, as a recognized leader.”
“When he has this consistency too he will be complete,” the Dutchman stated. “Tonali goes on like this, with this ambition: he is at the age when the strongest begin to make a difference. If he does it already now, at 21, he can aspire to become a top player.”
