Berti: "The Derby is the game of the year"

MILAN – Former Inter player Nicola Berti gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sport during #DerbyMilano week: "The Derby is unique and extraordinary – it’s the game of the year. You can’t get similar emotions elsewhere. When you feel good physically and wake up the morning of the Derby, it’s a fantastic feeling. Now the game is starting to feel like an actual derby again: for a few years I saw too many players embracing each other and smiling. The players need to have a healthy ruthless streak in them just like there was when I played.

 "I remember the small gym at San Siro where the two teams used to warm up together prior to the match. I used to knock a few balls in their direction to annoy them. This was my pre-match ritual when we were playing the Derby. My first goal in the Derby? We won the first one 1-0 thanks to my goal. In the second I told myself I would score a goal and I did, but unfortunately Gullit equalised seven minutes from time.

"In 1995, Moratti’s first Derby, I beat Sebastiano Rossi with a splendid goal even if it was claimed that the goalkeeper had scored an own goal. How do the teams look coming into the Derby? They are both in great form. Could Lautaro and Icardi play together? Personally, I think they could, but the coach is the one who sees them in training every day and he knows what’s best in terms of the team’s balance. We are set to see a spectacular derby. It won’t be a 0-0 game with the attackers that will be out there on the pitch.

"At the start, Spalletti wasn’t able to work with all the players in their peak physical condition but now we’re constantly improving. My prediction? I’m going for a 3-1 Inter win."