Former Inter midfielder Borja Valeri believes that the Nerazzurri showed against AC Milan once again that they can perform well against top opponents, but that results often elude them.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the 1-1 draw with the Rossoneri in the derby, Valero praised the performance put in by his former side, also singling out midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu for praise on his first derby against his former side.
The Nerazzurri created a number of chances to win the match after a Stefan de Vrij own goal cancelled out an early Calhanoglu penalty, not least a second spot kick which Lautaro Martinez took but had saved.
In the end, the team had to settle for a point against their city rivals, and the seven-point gap remains not only from Milan but also from Napoli.
However, Valero feels that this is not a reflection of their performances, stating that the result is “A shame for Inter because they wanted to close the gap. It was a hard-fought derby, a good derby with great emotions.”
“The direct clashes never go in favour of Inter,” he went on, “but they always played the matches well even if they didn’t take the points. Calhanoglu had the courage to take the penalty under the curva of his former team.”
