Former Nerazzurri striker Julio Cruz feels that whilst AC Milan are a strong side, Inter Milan can prove they’re superior in the derby.

Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews, Cruz also praised Inter captain Lautaro Martinez.

Only two teams have gotten off to a perfect start in Serie A this season.

Both Inter and Milan have won all three of their matches so far.

Both have scored a total of eight goals from just three matches. And the Rossoneri have conceded just two, whilst the Nerazzurri have yet to allow a goal.

The timing of this season’s first Milan derby, therefore, could hardly be better.

By the end of next Saturday’s match, at least one of the two city rivals’ perfect record will have to come to an end.

Clearly both Inter and Milan are formidable sides. But in the view of former Nerazzurri striker Cruz, it is his old team who have the edge in quality.

Julio Cruz: AC Milan Good, But Inter Milan Even Better

Former striker Cruz gave the view that “Milan have built a good team. But I believe that Inter always has a little bit more about them.”

“For example last season we lost the Champions League final,” he continued.

“And the loss was far from a bad one.”

“It just means that the team will have a hunger inside them, an anger, to go and have another top season. They’ll have pride, they want to win this season.”

Of Inter’s summer signings, Cruz said that “Frattesi has always convinced me.”

“Arnautovic is now a fully-grown player, and he’ll bring what the team needs.”

“But above all, Lautaro is still here, he gives the team certainty,” Cruz stressed. “He’s a fully mature footballer.”

“And I think the captain’s armband has made him even better,” he said of the Nerazzurri captain.

Cruz gave his derby predicted that “The fact that Inter have already done it means they’ll do it again. Inter will once again prove that they have something more to them.”