Shevchenko explains why Derby della Madonnina means more for Milan than Inter

Andriy Shevchenko has explained why the upcoming Derby della Madonnina means more for his former side, Milan, than it does for the current league leaders, Inter, ahead of the meeting of the two sides in San Siro on Sunday evening: ‘A defeat might stop the process’. 

Inter host Milan in the first Derby della Madonnina of the 2025-26 season on Sunday evening, kicking off at 19.45 GMT. 

You can follow the action from San Siro, and from all of Sunday’s Serie A matches, on the Football Italia Liveblog. 

Shevchenko played against Inter more than any other side during his playing days, racking up 11 wins, six draws and five losses from his 22 outings against the Nerazzurri. 

More recently, Milan have won three, drawn two and lost five against the Nerazzurri across their last 10 outings. Encouragingly for the Rossoneri, they are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Inter. 

Inter came into the weekend leading the Serie A table with 24 points, and have an opportunity to restore their lead with a victory on Sunday. Milan, currently on 22 points, have an opportunity to overtake their city rivals with a win in San Siro. 

Shevchenko, speaking in an interview with La Repubblica, has explained why this fixture means more for Milan than it does for Inter. 

“Both teams are having a good moment. However, getting the result is more important for Milan, who are still looking a little more fragile than the Nerazzurri. They have to continue growing. A defeat might stop that process, though,” he explained.

He feels that the Nerazzurri look like a completely different team to the one that started the campaign, though.

“They’re a different team today. You have to turn the page once a season ends, start over. The Nerazzurri squad was basically kept intact, if anything they’ve strengthened. And to me, Chivu seems like a coach who has a good vision of football. He’s got the right ideas. They’re one of the favourites for the Scudetto.” 

And what does he feel that Milan need to do to get back to their best? 

“They’ve had to find that solidity again, rebuild after the difficulties they had last season. You also have to factor in the number of new players that came in over the summer. Allegri is managing them well, they shouldn’t take him for granted.

“Max is an experienced coach with precise characteristics. He’s a serious guy, he knows how to manage his players well. He has a proven style of play. You know what you’re getting into when you hire him. He’s living up to expectations.” 

And which played as impressed Shevchenko the most so far this season? 

“Modric is impressing me, he’s making a big difference. But as a team, Milan still have steps to take to be on par with Inter.”