Gabbia and Reijnders want ‘Milan spirit’ in derby to be the norm

Matteo Gabbia and Tijjani Reijnders assure they have always been behind Milan coach Paulo Fonseca after the 2-1 win over Inter. ‘This kind of spirit must be the norm.’

The Nerazzurri went into the game as inevitable favourites, having won the previous six editions of the Derby della Madonnina and with far better overall form this season.

However, Christian Pulisic had put Milan in front early on with a solo run, cancelled out by the Federico Dimarco angled drive.

It was end to end stuff with big saves from both Yann Sommer and Mike Maignan, until Gabbia popped up to nod in the Reijnders free kick for the late winner.

Gabbia decisive, Reijnders celebrates Milan victory

“I am so happy for us, for the fans. It was a pretty difficult moment where things weren’t going well, but I am sure this game will give us a real energy boost. I am so pleased for the team and those people in the stands,” Gabbia told DAZN.

“I won’t say this game must become normal, but this kind of spirit must be the norm. We have to give our all on the field and that will make us and the fans proud, then we’ll see whether the results go our way or not.

“It is our duty to give our all. There are negative moments in life and in careers, we must make sure that we don’t have regrets at the final whistle and that’s what happened today. We are always by the side of the coach, despite what is said outside.”

Reijnders was named Serie A Man of the Match and confirmed his commitment to Milan by for the first time trying to give his interview with DAZN in Italian.

“We played very well this evening. We had to win this game, because it was a very difficult situation and my team deserves congratulations,” said the Netherlands international.

“We felt a lot of support in this game, we had to fight and we did very well.”