The derby of the first times. For Vincenzo Montella, in his first derby in Milan, but above all for Stefano Pioli, in his absolute debut on the Nerazzurri bench. And if we add the numbers from San Siro to this (78 spectators expected, record takings of 3,7 million) we understand how the 217th meeting between Milan and Inter (the 165th in the league) is really awaited, indeed highly anticipated. In this weekend of big matches throughout Europe, Serie A will also have its say: the derby della Madonnina will be followed in many countries, with China a more than interested spectator. In fact, if Inter has already been in the hands of Suning for some time, for Milan it is only a matter of days: on December 13th there will be the closing and the consequent transfer of ownership to the Chinese consortium. “I don't know if it will be Berlusconi's last derby but I know it's my first – ignored Montella. – I feel emotion and curiosity, this match is not decisive but it is fundamental for us. Inter are a team of great value, and they've always done well in difficult matches. Feeling favourites, even if unconsciously, would be a very serious mistake: the classification has nothing to do with it”.
The concept of the Rossoneri coach can be shared, aware that he has collected the maximum available (perhaps even something more) with an interesting squad but certainly not of excellent quality. In short, quite the opposite of Inter, 8 points behind their cousins despite the huge summer investments, however frustrated by a corporate chaos that ended up "burning" both Mancini and De Boer. Now the hottest bench in Italy belongs to Pioli, called to the extremely difficult task of climbing the standings up to third place, currently occupied by Milan. “The emotion is rising but also the awareness of having prepared ourselves in the best possible way – explained the Nerazzurri coach. – We have to play with passion and put all the energy we have on the field, we will face the match with enthusiasm and enthusiasm to show everyone that we are Inter. The derby is "the game" but we want it to become "our game" also to give the fans joy." A lot of charge on both sides, just as it concerns such a prestigious derby. The pitch will have to do the talking now: only that will tell us who, between Montella and Pioli, has prepared the best for the match. The Rossoneri coach has only one big doubt relating to Romagnoli: the defender seemed out of contention, but instead he has been called up. We'll see if Montella decides to risk it or not, in any case Gustavo Gomez is already ready to replace him and team up with Paletta, in a defense that will also see Abate and De Sciglio on the flanks and Donnarumma in goal. Everything else is decided, with Kucka, Locatelli and Bonaventura in midfield and the trident Suso, Bacca (favorite over Lapadula) and Niang in attack. More mystery, necessarily, on Pioli's choices, who should focus on the 4-3-3 for his debut at the helm of Inter. In the back row, to protect Handanovic, there will be Ansaldi, Miranda, Murillo and Santon, in the middle Joao Mario, the returning Medel and one between Brozovic (favourite) and Banega. No doubts instead in attack, where the coach will confirm the Candreva-Icardi-Perisic trident. San Siro clatters, Milan puts on its gala dress for one of its most prestigious nights. Hoping the picture lives up to the frame.
