Materazzi
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Materazzi: ‘Ibra? He doesn’t impress me. I hope Maldini doesn’t come back…’

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Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi is ‘dreaming’ of a seventh consecutive Milan derby win for the Nerazzurri. Inter have dominated this fixture in recent years and are set to welcome a beleaguered Milan side to the San Siro on Sunday evening. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Materazzi previewed the match and explained why he’s impressed by the Nerazzurri’s midfield following their match with Manchester City midweek. 

It’s a derby at the antipodes, this one, for how Inter and Milan arrive at it. What does it mean? What risks do the Nerazzurri run?

“Well, usually it’s a disadvantage to approach the derby in this way, usually who is worse wins. But let’s talk about Inter. We’re talking about a team that for two years has been the strongest in Italy by far: regardless of who plays, the identity is always the same. Manchester was exemplary in this sense.”

What do you like most about the Nerazzurri?

“The security they transmit, against any opponent. And this thing reassures thinking about the derby. Did you see Zielinski against City? He seemed to have been playing at Inter for a lifetime. Now you almost can’t tell anymore who is a starter and who isn’t in the team: whoever goes on the field always gives a response up to expectations. This year in the squad you’ve put in Zielinski and Taremi, who have sent Lautaro and Mkhitaryan to the bench. And I say this beyond the draw with Monza: if it hadn’t been for Mota’s wonder goal, I’m convinced that Inzaghi would have brought home that victory too.”

Lautaro on the bench and without goals: what effect does it have on you?

“I say this: it’s enough that he scores one goal and we go back to last year. But what are we talking about? He hasn’t had holidays, little preparation. But he wins everywhere, with Inter and with Argentina. He’s in the 30 for the Ballon d’Or: it might seem like a burden perhaps, but in reality it’s a pride.”

As a defender: impressed by Bisseck?

“He’s learning from those around him, people of 34 or 36 years old like Darmian and Acerbi. He’s growing visibly. And this is Inter’s strength: the performance of the department never changes.”

What midfield do you expect, against Milan?

“Barella-Calhanoglu-Mkhitaryan. Did you see what game Nicolò played with City? You understand why Guardiola wanted him. For me he’s worth Rodri, it’s a different role but he’s at that level.”

Have you heard Ibrahimovic’s words? He said he’s the boss and he’s in charge…

“Well, it doesn’t make any impression on me honestly. Let’s say they are words that are part of the character. It makes me want to say this, as an Inter fan: I hope Milan never takes back Paolo Maldini…”

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