Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli analysed Inter’s Derby della Madonnina thrashing of Milan, highlighting the Nerazzurri’s ‘quality, quantity, physicality’.

Simone Inzaghi’s dominated their intercity rivals at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Saturday evening, flying to a thrilling 5-1 win thanks to goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi. Rafael Leao netted the Rossoneri’s consolation goal in the second half.

The defeat now means that Stefano Pioli’s Milan have lost their last five consecutive Derby della Madonnina outings, causing confusion and frustration to brew amongst supporters.

Speaking on page 14 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Prandelli first discussed the difference between the two teams in the Milan derby.

“Inter gave me a clear impression: a battleship. Starters and substitutes make the same contributions: quality, quantity, physicality.

“And whoever is on the pitch, the game doesn’t change. No dependence on anyone, unlike Milan.”

He touched on how the Rossoneri are entirely too dependant on certain players.

“For what we saw today, on Leao. In the first half Milan had almost 70% possession but finished little, they allowed Inter to be merciless in the face-offs and that being theoretically being in control of the game actually ended up penalising Leao.

“That in the only real action in depth, with two touches he went through on goal. When you have a lot of possession, the spaces close, you can be a champion all you want, but if there is no space…”

The former Fiorentina coach commented on how Christian Pulisic struggled to make a difference.

“Compared to the first games, a lot. And more generally all the options on the wings were missing, the full backs remained wide, but one-on-one they were always doubled up. And even trying to bring the full backs down in the middle of the pitch didn’t work very well.”

He spoke about Inter’s ability to find space in the derby.

“Pressing of the forwards, very coordinated, with perfect timing in the aggression. Great density in the middle.

“Recovering the ball and counter attacking straight for the goal, they played it like that and won it like that, vertically. That was the first key to the game.”

Prandelli highlighted the second key to the derby.

“Thuram. I don’t remember a debutant in such an impactful derby, maybe Sneijder in the 4-0 win in 2009, but he didn’t score. He was devastating, every time he started, he did it with two extra gears.

“But as well as his speed he also put in the focus of always finding the right spaces after so much running.”

The former coach explained how Marcus Thuram reminds him of.

“I don’t like to compare characteristics. But he is the prototype of a classic but complete, modern second striker.

“He varies, you can find him on the right, on the left, in the middle, with this physical condition throughout the season, he can become the surprise of the year.”

He spoke about the work of Lautaro Martinez.

“I found him very matured, but perhaps it is more correct to say mature. He played for the team from the first to the last minute, as captain, looking for the goal, but also creating chances for teammates.

“He never loses one characteristic, he wants to score, he plays to score, and in fact he wanted to take that penalty, it was very clear. But then he went to cheer with Calhanoglu, see?”

Prandelli discussed Pioli’s decision to change Milan’s formation in the second half.

“When you have to change the game to recover, you also play for everything. But if you put four forwards and Inter counter in that extraordinary way….

“Also because, it was clear, Inter are also very good physically.”

He touched on why Pioli’s changes didn’t work.

“For this and because Inzaghi’s changes worked, 100% productive: vigour, physicality, and the match ended there. Simone accepted Milan’s variation without feeling the need to change the set-up.

“He did not upset the midfield, in fact he even improved it. And then he put Arnautovic, someone who fights up front, holds the ball, and so he also gave more freedom to Lautaro.”

Finally, Prandelli was asked if Milan are suffering from a mental block, considering that they’ve lost the last five derbies.

“It can happen if the team is the same, but now Milan have many new players. No, the mind has nothing to do with it.”

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