On Sunday at 3 pm the Milan-Inter scudetto derby
The news of Mauro Bellugi's death comes while Inter are on the pitch, on the eve of the derby and just before Antonio Conte's conference.
The coach's first thought is for the Nerazzurri champion.
"Unfortunately - begins Conte - while we were on the pitch we received the sad news of Bellugi's death. I'm really sorry, we join the pain of the family".
Inter will also play for its old stopper in a derby to be won between two teams that occupy the top of the table, leaders Inter, Milan one point away.
"It is a different derby than in previous years - says Conte - because it concerns the top. I think it is a great satisfaction for Milan to have this type of matches with such a high stakes. We know very well that the derby must be won for parochialism. but there is also a question of ranking ".
The coach loads the group and remembers that work is the only key to victory, he is certain that tomorrow there will be fair play and fairness, he hopes to stop Ibrahimovic with a team effort.
"We must give our best, seeking excellence. This - he adds - is the advice I give to my team. Nothing has changed compared to the other weeks. This is an important match against a strong team that is deserving the place it has in. ranking. We will need a great race ".
Pioli charge derby, Ibra-Lukaku? All life Zlatan
- "Cold mind and warm heart": this is how Stefano Pioli prepares the most decisive derby of recent years, as the childhood legend of the coach Tex Willer would have done.
You need precision, control but also the pride of those who want to give a dream as a gift.
Milan will try to overtake Inter, they will do so by relying on Ibrahimovic but not only.
Because the whole group must make the difference.
"Between Ibra and Lukaku? I keep Ibra all my life", declared the coach at the conference.
Great respect for the Nerazzurri striker, but the Swede has changed the face of this Milan, has given courage to the young people, shown a spirit of sacrifice and a desire to think big.
The two strikers will meet again after the famous fight in the Italian Cup.
"It would have been better if it hadn't happened - admits Pioli - but tomorrow is another match, there will be duels, clashes, it's a very heartfelt match, but there will also be great respect and professionalism".
Milan, one distance from Inter, could be satisfied even by earning just one point.
But he will not take the field aiming at even: "If you approach a match like this, you are closer to defeat than to victory. We will go on the field to win, we want to build the game but we will also have to defend. We will play our cards to the end".
Probable formations of Milan-Inter.
Milan (4-2-3-1): 99 G.Donnarumma;
2 Calabria, 24 Kjaer, 13 A, Romagnoli, 19 T. Hernandez;
8 Tonali, 79 Kessie;
56 Saelemaekers, 10 Calhanoglu, 12 Rebic;
11 Ibrahimovic.
(1 Tatarusanu, 90 A.Donnarumma, 5 Dalot, 20 Kalulu, 23 Tomori, 46 Gabbia, 7 Castillejo, 15 Hauge, 18 Meite, 33 Krunic, 9 Mandzukic, 17 Leao, 27 Maldini).
Coach: Pioli.
Disqualified: none Be wary: none.
Unavailable: Bennacer, B. Diaz.
Inter (3-5-2): 1 Handanovic;
37 Skriniar, 6 De Vrij, 95 Sticks;
2 Hakimi, 23 Barella, 77 Brozovic, 24 Eriksen, 14 Perisic;
9 R.Lukaku, 10 Lautaro.
(27 Padelli, 97 Radu, 11 Kolarov, 13 Ranocchia, 33 D'Ambrosio, 36 Darmian, 5 Gagliardini, 8 Vecino, 22 Vidal, 15 A.Young, 7 A.Sanchez, 99 Pinamonti).
All .: A.Conte.
Disqualified: none.
Beware: Barella, Bastoni, Brozovic, Hakimi, R.Lukaku.
Unavailable: Sensi.
Referee: Duties of Rome 1. Snai odds: 3.55;
3.60;
2.00.