«Milan-Inter in the Champions League? Vote Devil, Giroud decides it»- Corriere.it

«Seeing Milan and Inter in the Champions League semifinal makes me very proud. This is proof that Serie A is at the top in Europe.” It’s the thought of Mathieu Flamini commenting on the first leg derby, scheduled for 10 May at San Siro. The French midfielder played four derby matches in the Rossoneri shirt, winning 3 of them.

Milan has had a fluctuating season, but now access to the final is being played. How do you get to this match?
«I see a Milan with a great team spirit, who attack and defend well. It has a very close collective, with quality players and a group that has grown together and has more experience than last year. After the match against Lazio, the team has regained confidence and the Euroderby of the Champions League comes at the right time».

Even Inter, however, is no different. Never lose one again.
“I have a lot of respect for them. He has quality players and has played in a high-level Champions League. He will be a tough opponent for Milan ».

For both coaches it is a great opportunity. Stefano Pioli comes from the victory of the Scudetto in Reggio Emilia on 22 May 2022.
“He is a coach who has been able to build a close-knit group, has made many young players grow and has managed the most experienced players with great quality, finding a balance that works very well between the different departments”.

Simone Inzaghi, however, is a king of cups. Two Italian Super Cups and one Italian Cup.
«He did an excellent job with Inter. He has been able to motivate the team and this year’s results speak for him: a final of the Italian Cup, the semi-final of the Champions League and now he has also grabbed the fourth place. Simone Inzaghi has confirmed that he is a trained coach».

We have said that both have quality roses. But who can decide this derby?
«I would say Giroud. I played with Olivier at Arsenal and he is also a friend and on big occasions he is able to make the difference. Besides him there are Rafael Leao, should he recover, and Theo Hernandez. Instead, in Inter Lautaro Martinez and Barella are in great shape. Milan will have to be careful».

Who is the favorite between Milan and Inter?
«I’m voting for Milan, but they’ll have to manage the pressure of the two games very well».

Anyone who passes, already beaten in the final against Real Madrid and Manchester City?
«In this semi-final I will support Real because I am very close to Carlo (Ancelotti, ed), who was my coach at Milan. Having said that, a final is always a final and no team is beaten. I can assure you that no Real or City player will have this thought in their head.”

From Milan to London. Arsenal risks losing the Premier League. Did you expect this drop?
«Arsenal had an excellent season, with a very young team. He has shown that he has the qualities to win the Premier League. It will be difficult because Manchester City have experience and quality and know how to manage this type of final sprint very well. However I believe Arsenal still have the chance to win, I want to keep thinking positive. Nothing is finished until it is finished.”