Milan derby regaining significance: Gattuso
milan — AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso believes Wednesday’s ‘Derby della Madonnina’ against bitter city rivals Inter is beginning to recapture its past glory with Champions League qualification potentially at stake.
“After so many years the derby is back to being something significant, it will be a great game,” said Gattuso of the Serie A fixture that was postponed last month after Fiorentina captain Davide Astori’s death.
The two clubs have won 10 Champions League titles between them — seven for AC Milan and three for Inter — but it is five years since either qualified for Europe’s premier club competition and seven since they were both involved.
But with Inter currently fourth, in the final qualifying place, and Milan eight points back in sixth,
The fans have already done their share by breaking the record for sales Gennaro Gattuso
there is renewed hope that one at least might make it through this season.
“We’re experiencing a different atmosphere now. The fans have already done their share by breaking the record for sales, now we have to fire them up with a good start,” said Gattuso of Wednesday’s game at the 80,000 capacity San Siro stadium.
“We need to improve our mentality and desire, fight with a knife between our teeth.” Milan were on a 10-match unbeaten run until losing 3-1 to champions Juventus in Turin at the weekend. —