Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali identifies the similarities between his old AC Milan side and the current Inter Milan team.

The Nerazzurri are currently the team to beat in Italian football. After all, they are the reigning defending champions, and they’re currently leading the Serie A charts.

Perhaps Simone Inzaghi’s men haven’t been as dominant as they were last term, but they have been producing supreme displays on several occasions.

Calcio fans would remember the shocking Inter Milan vs Atalanta contest from August. The Inter fans who bought their tickets for the Lombardian Derby surely didn’t regret it, as they watched their beloved team dismantle their fellow Black-and-Blue by four unanswered goals.

Moreover, the astonishing 6-0 hammering of Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico also remains fresh in the mind.

On the other hand, the Beneamata had their setbacks this season, including defeats against their rivals AC Milan and Juventus. However, Inzaghi and his men never lost the plot, as illustrated by the current Serie A standings.

As for the neutrals, they’re simply enjoying what has surely been the best Serie A title race since 2021/22.

While that particular battle evokes sad memories for Inter, Tonali and his former Milan teammates still remember it fondly.

Sandro Tonali Explains Why His AC Milan Was Similar To Current Inter Milan

Sandro Tonali
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The current Newcastle star recalls how Pioli had built a united and well-organised group, and he believes the current Inter side has similar traits.

“The current Inter reminds me of my Milan under Stefano Pioli, because it’s beautiful to watch,” said the Italy international in his interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio via FcInterNews.

“There are players who don’t play much but never complain. If they get just one minute on the pitch, you can see them running hard.

“A good example is Davide Frattesi, who doesn’t play much, but when he enters the pitch, he opens up spaces and leaves opponents in the dust.

“Our Milan group was like that. There was never a problem. And if something ever happened or there was a sulk, the coach resolved everything immediately.

“Pioli was good at managing the group and keeping everyone happy.”

Tonali made his dream move to his beloved Milan in the summer of 2020 following his breakthrough season at Brescia.

While many were hoping he would go on to become a club idol, the Rossoneri management couldn’t resist Newcastle’s tempting offer in the summer of 2023, selling him for circa €60 million.