There is a lot on the line in the first Milan derby of the season, but that in itself is something that should be celebrated. La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) speaks about the essence of tonight's derby with a simple phrase: whoever wins takes the city. Inter can extend their lead to five points over Milan, the Rossoneri can overtake them by a point. But there's much more at stake than the Navigli.
"Yes, Milan is the team where I've been happiest. It was my first derby as a starter and the atmosphere was special. And then I made that promise... If I score a brace, I'll walk home." "No, Inter equalised in injury time, I would have only gone if we had won." "No, not fear, it's a feeling of happiness because you're part of something you saw on TV as a child. You're proud to have gotten there."
I recommended Thiago Silva to Galliani and Braida, and the latter fell in love with him. He already had a pre-contract with Inter, and Villarreal were also interested in the player, but we spoke to him and he chose Milan in five minutes. He was won over by the club's prestige and the idea of developing alongside someone like Nesta. In hindsight, I'd say he did well, with all due respect to his Nerazzurri cousins...
Yesterday, AC Milan and Inter paid the first instalment and signed the deed for San Siro; it is theirs, and now the work begins. There is a lot that can be said about the new San Siro, but the main feeling is excitement to see the new home of the clubs. Of course, a move like this is a massive one, and it must be done right. However, with Norman Foster and David Manica leading, it has significant promise.
"It's definitely disappointing. When these situations happen, they never happen by chance," Conte told Sky. "Last year we won the league with just a few players. They outdid themselves by being compact and staying united as a team. This year we have more games and brought in more players. "Nine (signings) was too many for me but we had to do it. There's no need to despair."