Former Inter Milan and AC Milan defender Fulvio Collovati feels that the Nerazzurri’s squad depth was what proved decisive in the Champions League semifinal triumph over city rivals the Rossoneri.

Speaking to FootballNews24, via FCInterNews, the former defender identified the factor that gave Inter the edge.

Inter started with the same starting eleven across both legs of their semifinal tie against Milan.

Meanwhile, the Rossoneri were forced to make a few changes between the two legs.

Injuries and tactical tweaks meant that Milan coach Stefano Pioli made four changes to the team between the first and second match.

However, just as important as the players who started were those who came off the bench. This has often been a theme of these intense matches late in the season.

For Inter, the substitutions were something that gave the team a boost of fresh legs and energy.

Meanwhile, Milan coach Pioli could never seem to find that extra edge off his bench. The Rossoneri boss did give it a go with some changes, but none could change the game and give his team a goal.

Collovati – Inter Milan Squad Depth Decisive Against AC Milan

“The difference was made by the squads,” former Inter and Milan defender argued. “Milan were in a rush to get Leao back, who is the better player, but he played at 50%.”

“Inter can afford the luxury of keeping players like Brozovic, Lukaku, de Vrij, and Correa on the bench,” he observed. “Players that Milan doesn’t have.”

“Milan have five or six players who had recently been signed,” Collovati continued. “Who have yet to really hit the ground running.”

“In a game like yesterday’s it was Origi who came on with then minutes to go, and that’s always a clear sign of the way things are going,” he added.