Former Inter striker Diego Milito has said that the Derby della Madonnina between AC Milan and the Nerazzurri used to make his stomach ache.
Both sides are set to face one another on Sunday night, and former Argentine international spoke about his memories of the derby.
“I was always anxious before the derby,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “It used to make my stomach ache, I always slept nervously.”
The striker, who won the treble in his first season at Inter under Jose Mourinho, then spoke about his favourite moments in the derby.
“The derby which will always be in my memory is the 4-0,” he said. “It was my first ever derby.
“All the goals were beautiful, and I managed to score a goal and get two assists, that side was really strong.
“I feel the Inter of today are a good side too, but they just need time.”
Milito then went on to speak about fellow Argentine striker Rodrigo Palacio, saying that the 2014 FIFA World Cup runner-up is slowly regaining his form, after sustaining an ankle injury towards the end of last season.
“His ankle is slowly getting back to normal,” he said. “I speak to him frequently on the phone, and he feels much better.
“I am sure he’ll play a big role in the derby; he’ll fit really well in [Roberto] Mancini’s 4-3-1-2 formation.”
Milito then heaped praise on Inter coach Roberto Mancini, who was appointed following the sacking of Walter Mazzarri.
“Not only does he know the environment at the club, but he knows what it means to be at Inter,” he said. “After all, he laid the foundation for the 2009/10 treble winning side, and Mourinho managed to make it perfect.
“He can lay the foundations for another great side.”
Milito then concluded his words by praising countrymen Javier Zanetti and Mauro Icardi, saying that the fans are yet to see what former can offer in a directorial role following his retirement from the game at the end of last season.
“Icardi? What he does is very impressive at his age, he can only improve.
“The people have not yet seen the best of Zanetti in a directorial role, he only needs some time.”
The Derby della Madonnina is set to kick-off at 20:45 CET on Sunday at the San Siro.
