Turkey Coach Argues Derby D’Italia ‘Heavier For Inter Milan Than Juventus’ – Adds Ex AC Milan Star ‘Not In Top Form For A Couple Reasons’ | OneFootball

Vincenzo Montella feels that tomorrow evening’s Derby d’Italia will be “heavier for Inter Milan than for Juventus.”

The Turkey coach spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. He also gave his thoughts on the less-than-stellar form of midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.

The Derby d’Italia is always a huge match irrespective of the Serie A table.

The rivalry between Inter Milan and Juventus is a bitter and historic one.

Therefore, the two sets of fans and players inevitably feel a sense of pressure that goes beyond the table.

But the fact remains that Inter and Juventus will both feel that they need three points tomorrow.

For the Bianconeri, things have become tricky as far as securing a spot in the top four. The likes of Lazio, Fiorentina, and AC Milan are all competing for a Champions League place with them.

But for Inter, there is a title race in full swing.

The Nerazzurri are one point behind Napoli heading into this weekend. The Partenopei face Lazio this evening.

Montella: “Derby D’Italia Heavier For Inter Milan Than Juventus”

In the view of Turkey and former AC Milan and Fiorentina coach Montella, though, “the match is heavier for Inter than for Juventus.”

“When you’re fighting for the Scudetto, head-to-head, you can never stop,” he added.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Stefan de Vrij of Inter in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on December 28, 2024 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Then, Montella also gave his thoughts on Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu not having been at his best this season.

“He’s had a number of injuries that have caused ups and downs,” said the Turkey coach.

“He hasn’t gotten to his peak yet.”

“But between with him and without him Inter change a lot,” Montella argued.

The coach made clear that “My respect for Calhanoglu hasn’t fallen by a centimetre.”

“He’s a great player, and he has everything. Tactical intelligence, technical quality, vision, winning mentality.”

Calhanoglu “is a player who always makes the difference,” Montella declared.

Meanwhile, the Turkey coach also suggested that Calhanoglu’s issues haven’t been all injury-related. “I’ve noticed that in some matches Inter circulate the ball a little more slowly than before,” he said.

“[Calhanoglu’s] game of finding opening, playing long vertical balls, speed, can suffer a bit,” Montella argued.