Milan icon Billy Costacurta predicts some surprising scorers in the derby with Inter and remembers being “embarrassed” by Ronaldo.
The Derby della Madonnina kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“People expect goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Mauro Icardi, but there could be surprises,” the former Rossoneri defender told Sky Sport Italia.
Milan icon Billy Costacurta predicts some surprising scorers in the derby with Inter and remembers being “embarrassed” by Ronaldo.
The Derby della Madonnina kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“People expect goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Mauro Icardi, but there could be surprises,” the former Rossoneri defender told Sky Sport Italia.
“Oftentimes, the winners in a derby are unexpected. I’d look at Milan Skriniar and Alessio Romagnoli,” suggesting set plays could be decisive.
“Mateo Musacchio is more aggressive than Romagnoli, so I think he’ll be the one marking Icardi, although this aggression can also lead to mistakes.
“Inter are really strong on dead ball situations, so Ivan Perisic, Matteo Politano and Antonio Candreva can make a big difference. If Perisic plays the way he did against SPAL, then he can really hurt Milan.
“The Nerazzurri are a more physical side, while Milan perhaps have something more in their creativity, but that doesn’t mean they are stronger. At this moment, I believe Inter are still a step ahead.”
Few know the atmosphere of the Milan Derby better than current Rossoneri Coach Gennaro Gattuso.
“Even as a player, Rino always gave the impression he’d do anything to improve, including hard work in the locker room to keep the atmosphere jovial. I can only speak highly of him,” continued former teammate Costacuarta.
“There are many derbies I remember fondly and I played with some phenomenal players. The best I ever had to mark was Ronaldo. We couldn’t sleep at night before that game, he was just unstoppable.
“In a Coppa Italia derby, I once gave Ronaldo a bit of a kicking. Beppe Bergomi ran 50 metres to shove me. It was an ugly foul, but he was truly incredible and embarrassed us defenders constantly.”