By: Ali Eshqabadi
Former Roma and Inter Milan director Walter Sabatini believes whoever wins the Champions League semifinal Milan derby will go on and win the final as well.
Sabatini stated this whilst on air as a pundit for Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia as reported via Milan based Inter Milan news-site FcInterNews.
The former Inter Milan director stated he firmly believes the winner of the Milan Derby will go on and win the Champions League which is why he keeps repeating this claim.
Sabatini argued further that he is so certain that this will happen that he is more than prepared to take on any criticism or mockery coming his way for making this bold claim.
“I have said that whoever reaches the final then wins the Champions League and I will reiterate it, I am also ready to take any mockery that may come my way” Sabatini stated.
Inter Milan Striker Romelu Lukaku ‘Ruthless’ Again
The former Roma and Palermo director then argued that Inter Milan had rediscovered Chelsea owned striker Romelu Lukaku whom up until recently was more of a burden than an asset.
Sabatini also argued that there are no clear favorites in this tie although he added that he did think the Nerazzurri might qualitatively be ever so slightly ahead of the Rossoneri.
However, ultimately this advantage isn’t enough to make Inter the favorites as Sabatini expects Milan to put everything out on the pitch to make life as difficult as possible for hos former employers.
“Lukaku has returned to being the ruthless striker he was a few months ago, until two months ago he was really a burden.
“There is no favorite. Certainly, for the football they are playing now, Inter might have a little more than Milan, but the Rossoneri will put all resources they have on the pitch.
“Certainly, seeing Inter in the last few matches, it becomes difficult to think they can lose, they have freshness and potential in attack, a rediscovered Lukaku, Lautaro who continues to score goals.
“All the players are strong and in good condition, and therefore it becomes difficult, despite Milan still being a very strong team” Sabatini concluded.
AC Milan host Inter Milan in the first leg of the Semifinal of the Champions League tomorrow night, Wednesday the 10th of May, with kick-off scheduled at 21.00 CET.
The return leg is played less than a week later on the 16th of May with Inter as the home team, with kick-off scheduled for 21.00 CET.