Former AC Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida has said that the Milan derby will set the tone for the rest of the season as it is so important, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Speaking during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the game, the former goalkeeper was asked if the result of the game at San Siro on Saturday will shape the season ahead.
He fully agreed with that idea due to the importance of the match: “Yes, because it is too important, it involves not only an entire city but the whole country.
“It is often said that all matches are the same, but it is not so: the derby is different. It is for the atmosphere in the city in the days leading up to it, for the atmosphere in the dressing room, for what it represents for Milan and for those of us who wear or have worn the Rossoneri jersey.
“I’m not talking about tension or anxiety, but about adrenaline, positive charge and the desire to prevail.”
Nelson Dida was asked about his favourite derby as an AC Milan but he decided to just say all of the ones he was involved in that ended in a Rossoneri. He does have a specific favourite save though.
“All the ones we won… But even more the ones in the Champions League. My favourite save was the one on Veron in a league derby in 2005.”
The match will kick off at San Siro on Saturday evening and will see Inter try to go four points ahead of their city rivals which will be a very welcome gap.
