Former Milan President Silvio Berlusconi scolded his team for a 6-0 victory in the Derby della Madonnina, while Massimo Moratti reveals Inter players were “crying during the game.”
Tonight’s city showdown kicks off at 19.45 GMT, you can read the match preview here.
Former Milan President Silvio Berlusconi scolded his team for a 6-0 victory in the Derby della Madonnina, while Massimo Moratti reveals Inter players were “crying during the game.”
Tonight’s city showdown kicks off at 19.45 GMT, you can read the match preview here.
“The best derby for me was the two-legged and very hard-fought Champions League semi-final in 2003. We eliminated Inter at San Siro and then went on to beat Juventus in the Final in Manchester,” Berlusconi told the Corriere della Sera.
Many Rossoneri supporters would instead have chosen the historic 6-0 thrashing of 2001, but Berlusconi had a different approach.
“I didn’t even celebrate that result. It was played on the Friday just before the election, so I was in Rome working on the campaign.
“Naturally, I was pleased with the victory, but also complained with the coach (Cesare Maldini) for the excessive scoreline. In football, it is futile and above all unfair to rub it in when you have the result locked down.”
On the other side of that incredible scoreline was then-Inter patron Moratti, who was at the stadium and revealed what happened behind the scenes.
“I still remember the tears from the players. It was happening during the game, as at half-time I went down to the dressing room and some were literally sobbing. Copious tears. It’s not possible, I thought, this lot really are crying. I couldn’t believe it. They were wrecks.
“I told them football is unpredictable. Show strength and courage, I said, all we need is a goal and we can get back into it. Strength and courage. When we were 5-0 down, I left the stadium.
“The day after that, it was pointless shouting at them. Authority is no good after the damage is done. You have to support, console, raise morale. You stamp your authority when things are going well and there’s the risk of resting on your laurels.”