Milan star Rafael Leao has praised rivals Inter Milan ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina, describing the Nerazzurri as a “good team” and underlining how much the match means for the Rossoneri.

The forward spoke on CBS’s Morning Footy, with quotes via FCInterNews.

He made it clear that the squad understands the weight of the occasion.

Leao said “all the players are ready for the match,” stressing the importance of preparing properly for a fixture that can reshape the top of the table.

Milan Star Leao Acknowledges Inter Strength Ahead Of Derby

Rafael Leao
AC Milan’s Portuguese forward Rafael Leao reacts during the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals first leg football match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli on April 12, 2023 at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

He also acknowledged Inter’s strength, calling them “a good group” who “have put together a good team.”

From Milan’s perspective, he said the derby is “an opportunity to reach the top of the table.”

Meanwhile adding that the atmosphere around the weekend “is already being felt.”

The Portugal international then reflected on the shift from last season to the current campaign under Massimiliano Allegri.

“Last year was difficult,” he admitted, before praising the work done by the club this summer.

He said Milan “brought in a great director, kept Ibra, brought Allegri who has a lot of experience, brought Luka Modric.”

Furthermore, he highlighted that “these pieces are important for us, for the younger players.”

Leao insisted the team are still progressing “step by step.”

However, the Milan forward stressed that Sunday is a moment to show “what we can do.”