Andrea Ranocchia feels that it would “live on forever” if Inter Milan can clinch the Serie A title by beating AC Milan in the derby.
The former Nerazzurri defender spoke to Radio Serie A, via FCInterNews. He also praised current Inter strikers Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram as a “perfect partnership.”
Neither Inter nor Milan have ever clinched the Serie A title in a derby match before.
The Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri have each won nineteen titles in their respective histories.
And there have certainly been derbies that have been hugely important to one team winning the title.
But a match between the two city rivals has never actually been the decisive fixture that made it certain that either Inter or Milan would lift the trophy.
This evening, that could change.
Inter and Milan meet in the second derby of the Serie A season. They come into the match as first and second in the table.
But the Nerazzurri’s advantage in the table is significant enough that they could mathematically guarantee that they would finish the season as champions, with five matches to spare.
That would require a win, however. A draw would not be enough to clinch the title for Inter.
Ranocchia: Inter Clinching Serie A Vs AC Milan “Would Live On Forever”
“I’ve seen a lot of incredible things in the derby,” said former Inter defender Ranocchia.
“Legendary players. Fans shaking with joy and sorrow. I’ve seen great goals and incredible saves.”
“But I’ve never seen a derby match where the title is there to be won,” he went on.
Ranocchia reflected that “The derby is always a special match. Even when it’s not like this one, which is even more special as it could be decisive for the title, it’s always a huge match to play in.”
“There are certain matches that you just want to play in,” the former Inter defender said.
“And that you want to be a part of. That you want to be able to say you won.”
As far as this evening’s derby, Ranocchia said that “I expect both teams will try to do what they’ve been doing up to this point.”
“I don’t think they’ll change things for this match, tactically or mentally.”
“Of course it’s a derby,” Ranocchia said. “But I believe Inter have the solidity, the history, and the ability of a lot of players who will be able to manage this match, as they have done matches throughout the season.”
“But then, Milan also have top players. Particularly on the left side, with Leao, Theo Hernandez…”
He called the Rossoneri’s left-sided duo “Players who can make the difference.”
“There will be a bit of nerves in this match,” Ranocchia predicted.
“But clinching the Scudetto here is something that will live on forever.”
Remember Scudetto Under Conte, Praise For Lautaro & Thuram
Ranocchia also recalled when Inter won the Serie A title under Antonio Conte, in the 2020-21 season.
A league win over Milan was an important stepping stone to that triumph. However, it was not the decisive match as this evening’s could prove to be.
“I remember that derby,” Ranocchia said. “The 3-0 win was another brick that we laid when we went on to win the Scudetto.”
“The only flaw with that season was the fact that we didn’t have the warmth that comes from the fans in the stadium, due to COVID.”
“We missed their support,” the former defender admitted.
Ranocchia said that “I have good memories of that season, because we still managed to celebrate a title.”
“And in the end, we managed to celebrate with the fans outside the stadium a anyway.”
Meanwhile, Ranocchia also gave his thoughts on Inter’s starting strike partnership.
“Lauti and Marcus have amazed me in terms of their relationship on the pitch,” the former defender.
“They’ve just formed this understanding that’s very hard to find,” he added. “They’re a perfect partnership because each of the two has their own characteristics, which fit together perfectly.”
