Massimo Ambrosini believes that Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina will likely be gained in midfield, and means that Youssouf Fofana may very well be the ‘shock’ participant to settle the crunch match between Milan and Inter.
Ambrosini spent 18 years with Milan, turning out a complete of 489 instances throughout all competitions for the Rossoneri. He was additionally concerned in his fair proportion of derbies, 29 completely different matches in opposition to Inter to be exact, with a file of 11 wins, six attracts and 12 defeats.
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The 35-time Italy worldwide was among the many former gamers to present his ideas forward of Sunday’s derby in a latest interview with .
Ambrosini previews Milan vs. Inter and makes ‘shock’ Fofana prediction
Throughout his speak with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ambrosini was requested which of these derbies was his favorite to participate in.
“The 2 within the Champions League in 2003. However generally, each derby was an unbelievable expertise. The 2 Curvas, the noise of the stadium, the adrenaline,” he mentioned.
Milan talisman Rafael Leao has lately described this derby as for the Rossoneri. “Sportingly talking, it’s,” Ambrosini agrees. “At the very least for Milan who’re chasing. Successful would imply getting again to -7 from the highest and placing some stress again on Inter.”
ITALY – JANUARY 18: Rafael Leao reacts throughout the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in San Siro, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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Nonetheless, closing down a seven level margin with 10 matches of the season left to play is one step too far for this present Milan facet, Ambrosini concedes.
“I say no, even in case you all the time need to dream in soccer. My Milan facet made up seven factors in opposition to Lazio inside seven matches in 1999. However, in the event that they’d requested me again then how a lot I believed in a comeback, I in all probability would have mentioned the identical as I’m saying now.
“Max has given Milan its soul again, beginning with defensive solidity, which was the precedence. That’s why I don’t suppose he’ll transfer from the 3-5-2. The mission to return to the Champions League is getting nearer.”
Inter however, are on their solution to profitable their twenty first league title in what’s Cristian Chivu’s first full season in senior administration.
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“Cristian’s modified his register lately,” Ambrosini famous. “He’s chosen a bit extra of a8 protecting line of communication in comparison with what he did at the beginning. His work has been distinctive and shouldn’t be taken as a right. The one downside is the (Champions League) elimination in opposition to Bodo.”
How does Ambrosini see this upcoming derby being settled?
“In midfield,” he replied. “I don’t anticipate a really open recreation, however a giant battle particularly within the center, possibly determined by a shock participant.”
ITALY – JANUARY 08: Youssouf Fofana battles for possession with Johan Vasquez of Genoa throughout the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 08, 2026 in San Siro, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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When requested who, he mentioned: “Fofana. He’s been unfortunate up to now. I like his perspective and it shouldn’t be forgotten that he’s needed to adapt as a midfielder.”
Lastly, Ambrosini had his say on rising Inter and Italy expertise Pio Esposito. He mentioned: “He’s a severe and powerful man. I believe everybody appreciates him as a result of he conveys that want to enhance. I like him.”