Luciano Spalletti complimented Gennaro Gattuso for “firing up Milan emotionally,” but told Inter “not to wander around without an objective.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
You can read the rest of Spalletti’s Press conference here.
Luciano Spalletti complimented Gennaro Gattuso for “firing up Milan emotionally,” but told Inter “not to wander around without an objective.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
You can read the rest of Spalletti’s Press conference here.
“The most fundamental thing tomorrow will be not to wander around the pitch without a clear objective in mind. We must have a reason for everything we do and every move we make,” said the Coach.
Milan have been transformed under Gattuso, reaching the Coppa Italia Final, the Europa League Round of 16 with Arsenal and unbeaten in 13 competitive games.
“Even his worst enemy couldn’t cancel out what he’s done. Gattuso did well with the weapons at his disposal. He fired up the players emotionally.
“I don’t know him professionally, but I do know him as a person and he is wonderfully transparent. I do know his assistant, Riccio, who was in my Ancona squad, and they’re made of the same stuff. I compliment them.
“When it comes to playing in a game like this, Gattuso has a lot more experience than me. I wasn’t a very good player.”
It has been pointed out that Inter are unbeaten against the other top clubs this season, including Napoli, Juventus and Roma, so why do they drop points elsewhere?
“The team recognises when it needs to give something more. It can sense danger and takes responsibility by reacting, although frankly this ought to be the situation in every match. It’s an involuntary reaction.
“The Derby is worth more than a season. With so many people flocking to the stadium, the important thing is to see a spectacular match. The city of Milan can send out some wonderful messages, as it already has done in the past. I see respect and passion here.”
Spalletti has some issues to deal with, as while Mauro Icardi is back in the side, Borja Valero is carrying an injury.
“We’ll have to see, as the final training session will be decisive. It’s an inflammation. Joao Miranda has recovered and can play the whole match.”
Ivan Perisic has been on surprisingly poor form recently, but the Coach has confidence.
“It’s not as if a single player can determine the attitude of an entire team. Ivan is a strong player who I would always want in my teams and tomorrow he’ll prove that everything has been sorted out.
“I am not disappointed by any of my players. They are all able to listen and I just need to find the right way to motivate them.”