Ruud Gullit set the scene for the upcoming Derby della Madonnina, underlining the qualities of Inter and the emotions surrounding Milan.
The Nerazzurri have the chance to mathematically secure their 20th Scudetto in this evening’s derby at San Siro, giving them the ultimate opportunity to frustrate their intercity rivals after a long 2023-24 season.
For Milan, the mood is at an all-time low heading into the summer, with their recent elimination from the Europa League likely spelling the end of Stefano Pioli’s time in charge. Losing the derby would only exacerbate things in Milanello, generating extra tension ahead of the match.
Gullit on Milan derby
Speaking on page 12 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Gullit first discussed the context of this Derby della Madonnina.
“Let’s say that at Milan they would’ve preferred a different match, let’s say not a decisive one, but given the situation I’m sure they will do everything not to lose. Inter cannot celebrate the Scudetto in a derby at Milan’s home!
“Having said that, we must admit that Inter are playing very well and not just from today, last year they reached the Champions League final, they are an excellent team. And I’ll say something that I never wanted to say, they are the favourites to win tonight, that’s how it is.”
He touched on the current position of Milan.
“They’ve been trying to climb back up for a few years. And it’s not easy. It was a surprise to me that they won the title two years ago.”
Gullit was asked if he was surprised by this season’s difficulties.
“Relatively. It’s normal for there to be ups and downs in a growth process. Italian teams don’t have the money there was in my day. Now the money is all in England, the great champions today go elsewhere.
“And then you have to have great inventiveness, a bit like Inter did, or Juve two years ago, or even Napoli, but look at the difficulties they are facing this season. It’s difficult to keep the level high. You have to go around looking for little diamonds and make them shine, and the competition is huge.”
He also backed Pioli.
“He did a great job. I don’t know, I read things (about dismissal, ed.). But I think he’s done a great job at Milan.”
Gullit was asked if he was surprised by Milan’s Europa League loss to Roma.
“No, and do you know why? Because Daniele is a curmudgeon, and curmudgeons make great coaches. I think of Fabio Capello. People always irritated, angry, a coach must be like that.
“I always smile, I look at the positive side of life and so it’s difficult to coach. If you smile people think you’re not serious, it’s ridiculous but that’s how it is.”
Gullit discussed the qualities of Carlo Ancelotti.
“Okay, Carlo is a world apart. For me he is a legend. He looked like he was going to Brazil, but things were going so well that Madrid offered him a new contract. He belongs to a team like Madrid.
“When he coached Everton, he couldn’t convey the same things that he can with Real, or he did with Milan. I’m very proud of him, we were teammates, I love him very much.”
Finally, Gullit discussed the fight against racism in football.
“Yeah, it’s really hard to fight. For me the worst thing is to see some take sides, speak out and hear people criticize them for raising the issue and making it public. Those are the worst, the ones who don’t want things to change. We need to talk and try to do something, always.
“Then in Italy you also have the problem of the division between north and south… You can see that the economy is going badly, because when it’s like this people need to point the finger at someone, and it’s really a bad thing.”