MD17: Milan - Inter Week 17 - 23/12/07 "The Derby"

[Jager]

More to follow, discuss the match here.

I have to figure that this is not the best time for Milan to be facing Inter, after travelling back from the far east?

[D-Kin]

Clarence awaits daunting D-day Wednesday 19 December, 2007

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Milan midfield ace Clarence Seedorf is expecting a bitter derby struggle this weekend but sees a Rossoneri side boosted by their world title.

The Diavolo lost out to Inter twice last term – a 2-1 defeat and a spectacular 4-3 reverse – and are hungry to regain Milanese bragging rights.

Memories of a miserable start to their Serie A campaign have faded somewhat with victory in the Club World Cup on Sunday.

“We have always been able to have big dreams and to realise them through hard work, will to win and the right level of humility,” Seedorf stated.

“It’s great to have the Cup in our hands as it is also recognition for the whole of Italian football.”

The European champions emphatically triumphed over South America’s finest Boca Juniors in Japan, but the Dutchman refused to be drawn on whether his side can repeat the dose against Europe’s form side.

“Is it more difficult to beat Boca or Inter? We will see after the game on Sunday,” the former Nerazzurro said.

“All I know is that it will be very tough as the Beneamata are the strongest side in Italy, if not Europe, at the moment.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

Going to be rockin this week, I expect a very hard match played by both sides.

[D-Kin]

Could be the turning point of Milan's season in the league.

Could be....

[Jager]

Your right, in a one match affair, Milan most certainly could inflict some serious damage on us. We have to be ready, and play hard. I feel good this will happen.

Marco is almost back to 100 percent.

My lineup......

.......................J.Cesar.................... .........

Maicon.....Samuel.........Matrix.........Chivu.... ....



I really don't know what to expect from Inter. I highly doubt we'll play a three man midfield, with an AM, since we DON"T have one.

But I think Mancio will do what he did against Roma, and load up the Midfield, four across.....with Ibra and Cruz up front.

Cesar....J.Zanetti.....Cucho.......Maxwell

This is my best guess......I'm not sure he would put Pele in there?? Against Guattus, Pirlo and Kaka??

Or he brings in Burdisso in the middle, dumps Cesar, and tries to overpower the Milan midfield??

Inter have a lot of issues in midfield, and its unfortunate its finally hitting home against Milan.

[Jager]

Materazzi And Seedorf Both Reject Favorites Tag
Inter's Marco Materazzi and Milan's Clarence Seedorf talked about Sunday's highly anticipated Milan derby, both of them denying their teams are the favorites.


zoom - galleria


According to Inter defender Marco Materazzi, Milan are the favorites to win next Sunday's derby, for the simple reason that they are the World champions.

"The fact we are Italian champions, while they are the World champions counts a lot," he said, "we'll have to show we are as good as them. If we do, we'll have done well.

"Playing against the strongest team," he continued, "and having the chance to show you're not inferior to them is very stimulating. I'm convinced that we can play on the same level as them."

The reply from the Milan camp did not take long to come, and it came through former Inter man Clarence Seedorf, who said: "At the moment Inter are a very strong side, the strongest in Italy, perhaps in Europe.

"Our morale is sky-high at the moment, however, and we'll try to give our best to bring home a victory against a very strong Inter side.

"We have three matches to recover after the Inter game," he concluded, "but we still have some time to think about that. We have to play a great match to take home an important result."

Danilo Pochini

Goal.com - Italy - Materazzi And Seedorf Both Reject Favorites Tag

[D-Kin]

Recoba makes D-day prediction Thursday 20 December, 2007

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Torino hitman Alvaro Recoba forecasts the outcome of Sunday’s Milan derby and gives the latest on his future.

The Uruguayan international left Inter on loan this summer after more than a decade with the Nerazzurri and still has a strong allegiance to Roberto Mancini’s side.

“I think it’ll be a great derby and I see Inter as the favourites,” El Chino told Radio Radio.

“I think that it will finish 2-0 to my former teammates, even if derbies are strange games and you can never really say.

“Up to now, Inter have been the superior side. They win even when they aren’t playing well and often without difficulty, like in the Coppa Italia against Reggina.

“Milan arrive at the game galvanised by a crucial victory, but they will be a bit tired.

“Inter are strong because their players have been together for many years and after last season’s victory there isn’t the pressure that there was when I was there.

“Now, they have an almost formidable squad. Mancini came to the Nerazzurri at the right time and had the ability to go big things.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Carletto calm before derby Friday 21 December, 2007

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Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has taken a look ahead to the weekend’s derby against Inter and stresses his faith in Ronaldo.

The Rossoneri have returned from Japan with the Club World Cup trophy and are determined to turn their stuttering League campaign around.

“It would have been more problematic to approach this game after an important defeat, but instead we approach with more optimism, and tranquillity,” Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.

“It has been an amazing year – everyone knows that. We will do what we can to make 2008 a year to remember like 2007.

“But first, we have to think about preparing for the derby. I think that it has been so much simpler to adapt to the change in time zone coming back, so the players should be in excellent condition.

“I don’t think that it will be an easy game as they are such a strong side, especially going forwards.

“However, I think that the victory in Tokyo could be the springboard that brings us back into the title race and helps us reduce the distance between Inter and ourselves.”

Ronaldo’s future is up in the air after the Selecao star returned home early to begin his recovery from a calf injury. While he has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, Ancelotti concluded by explaining his situation.

“Ronaldo isn’t better yet. Now we are looking for him to turn up in good condition for January 2 when we start preparation after the break,” he said.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

Carlo talking out the side of his mouth.

A draw would not bother me, even though I want victory.

We can defend a lot better than Boca, and we score more than Urgawa.

But I say this game will be really tough. Kaka is Kaka, and he is the most dangerous player on the planet, and for that reason, victory is far from secure.

[z187]

I predict Inter to win 3-1, milan been through alot just now with the club world cup

but if milan wins, watch out it could be the catalyst for them to get their serie A campaign back on the right track.

[z187]

BTW since both clubs share the same stadium

does the "Home" side get more fans in the game? or is it 50-50 (I doubt that because it would be dangerous with more risks of violence)

[Jager]

Originally Posted by z187

BTW since both clubs share the same stadium

does the "Home" side get more fans in the game? or is it 50-50 (I doubt that because it would be dangerous with more risks of violence)

The home team has the tickets to the game, only a small alotment is secured for visiting fans.

Now I do know that away fans have been banneds, so I'm not sure if the Curva Sud will have any Milan tifosi?

All eyes will be on the Curva Nord, I expect a fantastic display.

[D-Kin]

It does amaze me the way they see this as a high risk game when the ultras have had a 'truce' of some sort in place for a number of years now.

[D-Kin]

Matrix: Milan are favourites Friday 21 December, 2007

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Marco Materazzi has surprisingly declared his Inter side to be underdogs in Sunday’s Milan derby.

The pugnacious stopper is nearing full fitness after a long period suffering with an injury sustained during Italy’s friendly with Hungary in September.

Inter won both derbies during last term’s Scudetto procession, but Materazzi is adamant that they don’t approach the game as favourites.

“They are the favourites,” the ex-Everton man told Sky Sport Italia. “Milan are the champions of the world and we will have to be at our best.

“But both sides go into this game on level terms and taking on the best will be a big incentive for me.

“On a personal level, my fitness is good. A player like me can’t be 100 per cent physically. You just have to use the mentality, the drive and the passion to make up for it.”

Materazzi scored the winner in Inter’s dramatic 4-3 win last year and dedicated the goal to his son.

“It was special because my son had asked me for a goal and it’s tough for a defender to score in any game, let alone the derby,” he recalls.

“However, I think that it was fate. I hope that this year destiny has reserved me another important role in this game.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Sheva: I miss the Milan derby Saturday 22 December, 2007

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Andriy Shevchenko claims the Milan derby is “one of the greatest things I’ve seen in football,” while the Rossoneri concede his return isn’t out of the question.

“The Milan derby is one of the greatest things I have ever seen in football. I tell my friends in London all the time about how the fans prepare months in advance. It is a very special atmosphere,” he told Sky Italia television.

“In ps