Former Inter CEO Ernesto Paolillo has said that the Nerazzurri will need to keep their guard up against AC Milan on Saturday as it is a big game in the context of the title race, according to a report in the Italian media.

Speaking during an interview with DerbyDerbyDerby, the former CEO explained that the match is a crossroads in the season because AC Milan can close the gap considerably between themselves and Inter if they come out on top.

“Yes it is a crossroads and Inter will have to be very careful. In the event of a defeat, it would put the Rossoneri back in full play. We need to keep our guard up.

“It will not be an easy match. AC Milan this year seems to be much more competitive and aware than last year.”

When asked about a Derby della Madonnina that remains in his memory, Ernesto Paolillo had an excellent example: “A derby that we won 3-0 by dominating. The memory is that of Silvio Berlusconi who came to our locker room to congratulate us.”

Ernesto Paolillo was clearly very impressed by Inter’s transfer dealings during the January window where they signed Robin Gosens and Felipe Caicedo, the two positions that really needed addressing.

“Positive. Gosens and Caicedo are excellent additions, which Inzaghi will need to continue the race towards the tricolor. If we look at the games played, Inter really needed two players with those characteristics there.

“Well, Inter have applied a debt renegotiation. This allowed them to go and get what they needed.”

Ernesto Paolillo appears to favour Simone Inzaghi’s Inter team over that of Antonio Conte, saying: “It’s an Inter that plays with less anxiety, that makes the ball move faster and that knows how to manage moments better: accelerates when it has to and slows down when necessary.”

Finally, the former CEO is doubtful that Paulo Dybala is worth selling any current forward at the club for. He said: “Dybala is an excellent player, but would it really be worth selling some of the Nerazzurri forwards to take him? I have my doubts.”