Inter favourite ‘hopes’ Maldini does not return to Milan: “Part of the character”

With the Derby della Madonnina taking place this weekend, Marco Materazzi has offered his thoughts on the game and the state of AC Milan’s current management.

In recent months, Milan’s management have been criticised heavily across numerous fronts. They have questioned the timing of Stefano Pioli’s sacking, the appointment of Paulo Fonseca, the mercato, and the general direction of the club.

The noise is not dying down either, with questions arising about Fonseca within six matches of the season starting, and they may have to make a decision about his future in the days to come – if it has not already been made.

Whilst the management as a whole has been questioned, a lot of the noise has been directed at Zlatan Ibrahimovic, most recently on Tuesday due to his spat with Zvone Boban, and Inter legend Materazzi has spoken on Ibra as a character and the derby as a whole to Gazzetta dello Sport, and his words have been relayed by Milan News.

This is a derby at the antipodes, for how Inter and Milan get there. What does it mean? What risks do the Nerazzurri run?

“Well, it’s usually a disadvantage to approach the derby in this way, usually whoever is worse off wins. But we’re talking about Inter. We’re talking about a team that for two years has been the strongest team in Italy: regardless of who plays, the identity is always that. Manchester was exemplary in this sense.”

What is the risk not to take on Sunday?

“Don’t think about the six consecutive derbies already won, because that would make you take the field too lightly and that would not be a good thing. Those are matches that always have some components in them that escape logic. Having said that, I have in my head the seventh win in a row, I know what that would mean. And then there’s that number…”

Meaning?
“You play on the 22nd… the 22nd of April, isn’t it? That’s a good sign for Inter.”

What midfield do you expect against Milan?

“Barella-Calhanoglu-Mkhitaryan. See the game Nicolò had with City? You can see why Guardiola wanted him. For me he’s worth Rodri, it’s a different role but he’s at that level there.”

Did you hear what Ibrahimovic said? He said he’s the boss and he’s in charge….

“Well, it doesn’t make any impression on me honestly. Let’s say they are words that are part of the character. I feel like saying this, as an Inter fan: I hope that Milan will never take back Paolo Maldini…”