Inzaghi warning Inter ‘get nothing for memories’ of Milan domination

Simone Inzaghi warns Inter ‘don’t get points for memories’ and must forget six derby wins in a row as they face troubled Milan and ‘feel strong’ after the Manchester City draw.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

Both sides were in action for the Champions League this week, the Nerazzurri holding Manchester City to a 0-0 draw in England and the Rossoneri capitulating 3-1 at home to Liverpool.

“We know what the derby represents for our fans and we need a special Inter side,” said the coach in his press conference.

“After a game like the one with Manchester City, where we used up a lot of energy, it’s good to have a fixture where you can find energy you didn’t even know that you had.”

Inzaghi dominated Derby della Madonnina

Inter have won the last six editions of the Derby della Madonnina in various tournaments and the most recent also mathematically secured the Scudetto.

Considering Paulo Fonseca is already hanging by a thread and their own fans are protesting, it’s beyond doubt that Milan are the underdogs, but that is a concern for Inzaghi.

“We mustn’t think about the past derbies, as they are only lovely memories, but you don’t get points for memories. We are facing a very strong team with good players. We must not feel sated.

“Milan played very well against Venezia and then lost to Liverpool, but I am concentrated less on them and more on how my own team will play, with aggression and determination. Derbies tend to go against predictions and we’ve got to be better on the day with everything down to the details.”

Lautaro Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were rested in the Champions League against Manchester City, but are expected to be back in the starting XI tomorrow.

Inzaghi did confirm that one of his doubts is between Denzel Dumfries and Matteo Darmian.

“All the players are first choices and I respect them all. I have a few doubts and will decide tomorrow. Lautaro played practically an entire year without stopping and if he is at 100 per cent, then he will without doubt be in the starting line-up.

“Inevitably, the Champions League games take something away from you both mentally and physically, especially when so far this season we’ve already seen the so-called smaller clubs are causing a lot of problems for the bigger teams.”

Inter’s performance at the Etihad confirmed their status as one of the contenders for the Champions League, having reached the Final in 2023.

“We feel strong, against anyone and anything,” reiterated Inzaghi.

“We know that we can improve and are working on the final ball and our finishing. It will be important for us to recognise that Milan are a strong opponent and there will be many unknown situations we need to read carefully.”