Former Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho explains why the club’s real rivalry is against Juventus rather than AC Milan.
Since their founding in 1908, the Nerazzurri have had to share the city with another top club in the shape of the Rossoneri.
But while their direct encounters are synonymous with crowd banter and splendid choreography, they surely aren’t as fiery as some of the other inter-city derbies in Europe.
This was something that Mourinho realized during his legendary stint at Inter between 2008 and 2010.
The Special One noted how both sets of fans would integrate ahead of the Derby della Madonnina.
Therefore, the Portuguese believes that the biggest rivalry in Italian football is the one between Inter and Juventus.
“The real rivalry in Italy is Inter vs Juve, not Inter vs Milan,” said Mourinho during his appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube podcast via FcInter1908.
“I remember my first derby against the Rossoneri when I was on the team bus. I looked through the window and saw the fans with different scarves arriving together.
“They were all friendly towards one another. It just didn’t have the big Derby feel.
“But when you play with Inter against Juve, you immediately feel that there is something historically complicated between the two teams.”
Jose Mourinho Explains Why Inter Milan Vs Juventus Is The Biggest Rivalry In Italy
Mourinho also opened up on his recent sacking from AS Roma. The 60-year-old admitted that this was the toughest breakup of his entire coaching career.
“It isn’t the first time that I leave a club. But this is definitely the one that hurt me the most.
“When you part ways with a club, whether it’s your decision or not, you must learn the lesson and move on.”
