Legendary former Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti feels that his rivalry with former AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi brought something special to the Milan derby rivalry.
Speaking to Italian news outlet Calciomercato.it, the former Nerazzurri President recalled his old nemesis Berlusconi.
Former Italian President Berlusconi has passed away at the age of 86 earlier today.
Apart from his complicated legacy in Italian politics, Berlusconi, who was also a hugely influential businessman and media mogul in Italy, also had a lasting legacy in the world of football.
In recent years, Berlusconi had taken Monza up from Serie C all the way to the Italian top flight.
Last season, the Brianzoli were one of surprise packages in Serie A. They finished eleventh in the table for the campaign.
However, the club that Berlusconi is best associated with is Milan. Having taken the Rossoneri over in the mid-1980s, the politician and businessman made them a force within both Italian and European football.
Milan won the Serie A title eight times during Berlusconi’s tenure in charge. They also won the European Cup and Champions League four times.
Moratti Looks Back On Rivalary With Silvio Berlusconi
Under Berlusconi’s tenure, the Milan derby also regained its stature as one Europe’s great showpiece fixtures and rivalries.
The Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri fought for Italian titles, and even in a Champions League semifinal.
Opposite the Milan President was Inter’s Moratti. The two men were symbols of their respective clubs, and of an era when the two teams splashed the cash to try and outdo one another.
“He was a loyal adversary, from all points of view,” Moratti said.
“Who never took a shot at us. He always talked about Milan and Inter like two teams in Milano he cared about. Despite being a Milanista.
“He has always been a rival who at the same time is witty and likeable.”
