Diego Milito feels that his old side Inter Milan are favourites in the derby this evening, though not by much.

The Argentine spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews.

Inter and Milan are just a few hours away from facing off in the derby.

The city rivals have each been away from action for a couple weeks during the international break.

But the Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri return with one of the very biggest matches of both of their respective seasons.

It’s always that way with the derby. But this edition is particularly significant because Inter and Milan are the only two teams to have maintained perfect records up to this point in the Serie A season.

Naturally, one of those two winning runs will have to come to an end this evening.

And both teams have shown impressive form up to this point in the season to get where they are.

For his part, legendary former Inter striker Milito has faith in his old team.

Diego Milito Names Inter Milan As Slight Favourites In Derby Clash Vs AC Milan

Milito predicted “A balanced match.”

“I don’t see one team dominating the other. But I think Inter are slight favourites,” he continued.

“Because they’re playing well, and their confidence is high. In matches like this, that makes the difference.”

“The players know how much quality they have, they’ve looked determined to me in the first few matches.”

Milito noted the importance of the boost in confidence from reaching the Champions League final last season to Inter’s start to the current campaign.

“Istanbul was a defeat on the pitch,” he noted. “But in reality it gave the team a big mental leap in all the players.”

“The team gained confidence, gained experience, and now Lautaro and his teammates bring these qualities onto the pitch,” Milito said.

“This is why I feel like Inter will have a great run in the league,” he predicted.

Milito Heralds Lautaro’s Leadership, Disappointed With Lukaku Saga

Of his countryman, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Milito said that “He’s proving to be a great leader.”

“To tell you the truth, he was one even without the armband,” the former striker went on.

“But now it’s as if he’s obtained official certification of what he represents for Inter.”

“I know what it means, I had that feeling on the occasions that I wore the armband in my final season,” Milito noted.

“But then I had Pupi [Javier Zanetti] and other great players ahead of me,” he added.

And of the summer saga between Inter and striker Romelu Lukaku, Milito admits that it disappointed him.

“I was disappointed by the way that the player made his decision,” the Argentine explained.

“Inter were still ready to put him at the centre of their team,” he noted. “He had done very well for the Nerazzurri: he was treated well by everyone, including the fans.”

“They had welcomed him back when he returned  from Chelsea. That’s why I was disappointed.”

“But then, luckily, Thuram arrived.”

Milito A Fan Of Thuram & Arnautovic

Of striker Marcus Thuram, Milito said that “He’s made a very positive impression on me.”

“He has great potential,” he said of the Frenchman. “You can sense it from seeing him move.”

“And you can see a great understanding developing with Lautaro,” Milito continued. “Lauti is exceptional at that, he makes those around him play well.”

And of striker Marko Arnautovic, Milito said that “He’ll do well, you’ll see. He’ll help Inter.”

“And he’s a positive character to have in the dressing room,” he said of the Austrian international.