Legendary former defender Lucio feels that Inter Milan are favourites over AC Milan even if “the derby is always the derby.”
The Brazilian spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. He highlighted the Nerazzurri’s performance against Premier League juggernauts in midweek.
Going by recent form, Inter have certainly had a stronger start to the season.
On the one hand, last weekend the Nerazzurri drew away from home for the second time in the campaign. They had to settle for a point in Monza.
The Rossoneri, by contrast, thrashed Venezia by a 4-0 scoreline.
But that was Milan’s first win of the campaign. They are currently sitting on just five points from their opening four matches, compared to Inter’s eight.
And the Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri got off to dramatically different starts in the Champions League.
Inter secured a convincing draw against heavyweights Manchester City. This was away from home no less.
Milan, on the other hand, crumbled at the San Siro against Liverpool in their own meeting with a top English side.
Of course, the derby is often a fixture where the form book goes out the window.
Former Inter defender Lucio said that “A packed San Siro on one of those nights is something that can’t be put into words.”
“These are feelings that you never forget,” the Brazilian said. “And that’s the case no matter what the result is.”
“Obviously I hope that Inter wins,” Lucio said. “As always.”
“There’s no doubt that Inter go into it as the favourites. But a derby is always a derby,” he said.
Lucio commented on Inter’s performance against City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“How many teams are capable of going there and playing the way they did?” he said.
“When I say playing, I mean both defending and attacking.”
Lucio noted that “Away to City, you can lose, and often concede at least one goal.”
“But Inter came away on level terms against one of the strongest teams in Europe.”
