Legendary former Inter defender Marco Materazzi feels that AC Milan got away with one by not losing by a wider margin in the derby against the Nerazzurri yesterday evening.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the match, via FCInterNews, Materazzi argued that it did not look like much of a contest on the pitch even though the scoreline could have suggested a fairly tightly-fought match.
One goal was enough for Inter on the night, as Lautaro Martinez’s first-half goal delivered all three points to his team in their first league derby win under Simone Inzaghi.
The 1-0 scoreline was hardly as eye-catching as the 3-0 rout that the Supercoppa Italiana win over the Rossoneri last month had been.
However, this was perhaps a bit deceiving, as in terms of the possession, the balance of chances, and the overall run of play, there only looked to be one team capable of winning it.
“There was no contest tonight,” Materazzi said, “it flattered Milan that they only conceded one goal.”
“You could maybe read some fear into this loss, and it’s also a bad loss in view of the Champions League,” he continued. “Perhaps the Rossoneri lacked some spirit.”
“Lautaro dragged Inter on his back tonight,” he continued, “he’s making all the difference.”
“The only flaw was not killing off the match earlier, in derbies you never know and there was a risk of a draw right at the end of a one-sided match.”
Of the team’s ambitions for the rest of the Serie A season, Materazzi suggested that “Reining in Napoli won’t be easy, they play very well and are reliable.”
“The important thing at this point is locking down a Champions League spot.”
Of wingback Federico Dimarco, Materazzi said that “He embodies the values of Interismo, even more than Nicolo Barella.”
“Perhaps sometimes he’s a bit too tense because of how much he feels being an Interista.”
And of Milan Skriniar, Materazzi said that “It’s right to strip him of the captain’s armband, but I’m sure he’ll give his all from now all the way until the end of the season.”
