Amorim contrasts Milan and Manchester rivalries ahead of first Inter derby

AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim said sharing a stadium gives his club’s rivalry with Inter a distinctive character as he prepares for his first Milan derby following a 4-2 home loss to Bologna.

At his pre-match news conference, the former Manchester United manager described Italian football culture as more similar to Portugal’s than England’s. He said English rivalries were fiercely contested but retained a more sporting spirit, while Milan and Inter’s shared home at San Siro created a close connection alongside their rivalry.

Milan have 18 points after nine Serie A matches, compared with Inter’s 25. The Bologna defeat ended Amorim’s unbeaten league start after eight games. His team had moved 2-1 ahead before conceding three more goals, and he acknowledged that the players lost composure, particularly when they fell 3-2 behind.

Amorim said he had deliberately chosen a rebuilding job but recognized that results would determine how much time he received. He praised the organization of Cristian Chivu’s Inter and said Milan needed to operate closer to the opposition goal to give Goncalo Ramos more support.

Milan are unbeaten across seven derby meetings and have won the latest three. Adrien Rabiot, Mario Gila and Diego Moreira are available to return to the squad, although Amorim did not confirm starting places for them. He also said tiredness could not excuse a below-par performance against Inter.