AC Milan & Roma Legend Looks Back On Derby Clashes With Inter Milan Icon: ‘What A Battle We Had!’

Legendary former AC Milan defender Cafu can still recall his clashes with former Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti.

The Brazilian spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews.

Cafu is certainly a player who played in his share of Milan derbies against Inter.

The Brazilian played for the Rossoneri between 2003 and 2008. By that point in his career, he was already something of a veteran.

Playing down the Rossoneri’s right flank, Cafu brought energy, experience, and discipline to Carlo Ancelotti’s iconic side.

And Cafu very much had an opposite number in Inter’s ranks.

Longtime Nerazzurri captain Javier Zanetti played in a number of positions for the Nerazzurri. He had the versatility to play on either flank, or in midfield.

But whilst Cafu was at Milan, it was more often than not on the left of Inter’s back four that Zanetti could be found.

Cafu Recalls Derby Clashes With Inter Icon Zanetti

Asked who his toughest opponent was in an Inter shirt, Cafu named “Zanetti.”

“Those were brilliant matches with him,” the Brazilian said. “Because he pushed me hard, and I did the same to him.”

“What a battle we had!” Cafu said of the former Inter captain. “It was a clash of titans.”

“But it was always in the name of respect,” the former Brazilian international added.

Meanwhile, Cafu also gave his thoughts on what can be expected from tomorrow’s derby meeting between Inter and Milan.

“It will be tough,” he said. “[Milan] are facing a strong team, but we have to win to start climbing the table.”

“If the Nerazzurri beat us it will make it all the more difficult to recover. That’s why I think we need a good result.”

As far as Inter being favourites, Cafu said “That’s what the form table suggests.”

“But the derby is always an unpredictable match, and it can change the course of a season.”