AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Former Nerazzurri Coach Claims Italy Midfielder Could Prove Decisive In Derby Showdown | OneFootball

Andrea Stramaccioni believes Sunday’s Milan derby could be Inter’s first Scudetto match point of the season, and the former Nerazzurri coach has identified Nicolo Barella as the man most likely to tip the tie in their favour.

Writing in Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, Stramaccioni offered a detailed and thoughtful preview of a fixture he clearly views as pivotal.

He was direct from the opening line.

“Yes, this is perhaps the first tricolore match point for Inter,” he wrote, setting the tone for an analysis that balanced admiration for both sides with a clear sense of the stakes involved.

On the key men, Stramaccioni named Leao for Milan and Barella for Inter.

“Not because he has to resolve the derby with a goal or necessarily get on the scoresheet,” he clarified, “but because on Saturday against Genoa I saw him really fired up.”

Former Inter Coach Stramaccioni Expects More From Barella Against Milan

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

It was a nuanced take, recognising that Barella’s value lies in his energy and influence rather than end product alone.

The midfield battle, he argued, will be central to the outcome.

“At the first leg, Modric, Rabiot and Fofana played a perfect game. The most fascinating duel will be there in the middle.”

On Lautaro’s absence, Stramaccioni was unequivocal.

“He is irreplaceable for many reasons, his positioning, finishing, leadership, charisma and experience. Whatever attacking partnership Inter put together, they lose a lot without him.”

His praise for Chivu was warm and genuine.

“He is an intelligent and sensitive man. Chivu says what he thinks and does what he believes in. He knows Inter better than anyone.”

On the Champions League exit, Stramaccioni offered context rather than criticism.

“The truth is that Inter, as in the year of the second star, perhaps paid the price for maximum focus on winning the Scudetto. The one enormous regret is the first leg in Norway.”