Ex-Inter Milan Defender On Champions League Semifinal Clash: “This Inter Better Than AC Milan On Paper”

Former Inter Milan defender Daniele Adani believes that today’s Inter squad is better than their AC Milan counterpart.

Adani made these remarks in an interview published in yesterday’s print edition of Milan based Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported via Milan based Inter news-site FcInterNews.

The former Fiorentina and Lazio defender was part of the Inter team that lost to AC Milan the last time the two Milanese giants went head-to-head in the semifinal of the Champions League, back in 2002/2003 season.

On that occasion the Rossoneri went through thanks to the away goals rule and ended up winning the tournament after a penalty shootout against Juventus at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Adani argued that just like that Milan side was better than his Inter side, this time around, however, the Nerazzurri are better than their cross city rivals, at least on paper.

“I think we can easily say that that AC Milan team was stronger than us, just like this Inter team is currently superior to their cousins on paper.

“Everyone feels pressure, including the players. But Inzaghi, although he deserves everything he has achieved as Inter’s coach, he has a stronger squad and the Cups and Supercups won so far are not enough.

“Pioli, on the other hand, has won a surprise Scudetto” Adani stated.

Ismael Bennacer Vs Nicolo Barella Battle Key
Adani believes that the midfield battle will be key as to who goes through to the Champions League Final, identifying three key midfield players at both AC Milan and Inter Milan.

“From Milan, I choose Bennacer. He is the most skillful player, with his high pressing, and ability to transforming the play from a defensive one into the attacking phase

“From Inter, I choose the two mezz’ale [central midfielders], Barella and Mkhitaryan, because they know how to perfectly capitalize on their opponents weaknesses.”

The former Italy international defender also believed the time has come for Simone Inzaghi to start Romelu Lukaku over Edin Dzeko against Milan.

“Right now, Romelu has done enough to at least cast a doubt in Simone Inzaghi’s mind. I expect the Inter coach not to decide the starting attack of the derby based on preconceived ideas, but on who logically is better right now.

“Speaking as a defender, I would be more afraid of Lukaku. Dzeko works more as a link-up and build-up player, favoring his teammates’ runs, but the Belgian, if he is in good shape, cannot be stopped in one-on-one situations.

Rafael Leao’s Absence A Massive Blow
Adani also argued that Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez are among the most dangerous attacking duos in all of European football, and so naturally the absence of the Portuguese winger would be a massive blow for AC Milan.

“[Leao’s absence would weigh on Milan] very much because Pioli has shaped his team around him, creating one of the most dangerous attacking wings in all of Europe with him and Theo on the left.

“But above all, he is the man who allows the team to be dangerous even when they are under pressure. Napoli knows this well, the Rossoneri are a sort of preventive attack, with Rafa positioning himself to quickly reverse the play.

“Milan are not a better side without Rafa. But the victory against Lazio showed that the Rossoneri are physically and mentally ready for the derby” Adani concluded.