Andrea Stramaccioni backs Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella to play a decisive role in the Derby della Madonnina.

Despite constantly finishing above AC Milan in the league table, the Nerazzurri have been on a losing streak in this fixture. This dates back to last season, when the Rossoneri prevailed in Serie A, as well as the final final of the Italian Super, and the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Max Allegri’s men already emerged victorious when the two rivals crossed paths earlier in the season. Christian Pulisic’s solitary strike was enough to earn Milan three valuable points back in November.

But despite the Diavolo’s recent superiority in this particular fixture, almost every reliable sportsbook is backing Inter to win on Sunday. After all, Cristian Chivu’s men have been almost flawless in the league since losing the reverse fixture. They only dropped points once, settling for a 2-2 draw against reigning champions Napoli.

The Nerazzurri will thus enter the contest with a healthy 10-point gap. Therefore, all fans and observers agree that this fixture represents the final chance for Milan to cut the deficit and try to revive their fading Scudetto hopes.

On the contrary, a win for Inter would effectively seal the title with more than two months to spare.

Hence, the importance of this fixture cannot be overstated.

Andrea Stamaccioni Believes Nicolo Barella Can Win The Derby For Inter Milan

Ahead of the big showdown, former Inter head coach Andrea Stramaccioni insisted that his old employers could finish off the Scudetto race with a win.

“Yes, it could be the first real Scudetto match point for Inter Milan,” said Stramaccioni in his interview with Tuttosport via FcInterNews.

The 50-year-old was also asked which players he thinks will decide the match for each side.

The Italian tactician was quick to select Rafael Leao, who remains Milan’s ultimate star in attack.

“Who could be the decisive man for AC Milan? I say Rafael Leão.”

On the other hand, Inter will be without their main talisman, Lautaro Martinez. The captain is still nursing an injury, so Marcus Thuram and Francesco Pio Esposito should start upfront.

Nevertheless, Stramaccioni believes Inter’s most devastating weapon could be Barella, despite his recent dip in form.

“I say Nicolò Barella, but not because he necessarily has to decide the derby with a goal or by appearing on the scoresheet. I say Barella because last Saturday against Genoa CFC I saw him extremely fired up.”