Q&A with Inter blog Serpents of Madonnina ahead of Sunday’s Derby

Thanks to M.A. Clark from Serpents of Madonnina for answering some questions before Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina between AC Milan and Inter Milan.

I answered some of their questions as well, so head on over and check our “friends” out if you get a chance.

Is there any way that Mauro Icardi ever plays for Inter again?

I think he’ll play, but as far as next season is concerned, it is a big question mark. Wanda Nara (his wife and agent) said he wants to stay, but there is a lot of repair work that needs to be done – with the team and with the fans. When Icardi comes back to the pitch, if he quickly returns to form and helps Inter to a top four finish, I would imagine many fans will look past these recent issues. If he doesn’t find that form and continues to languish, there will be a big press for Suning Group to sell him in the off-season and use those funds to bolster a weak midfield and find an alternative striking option.

Who is the scoring threat now that Icardi is on the bench?

With Icardi on the bench, it has opened things up a bit. Lautaro Martinez, Ivan Perisic and Matteo Politano have all proven to be scoring threats. None of them are dedicated poachers like Icardi, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The biggest thing about Icardi riding the pine is that others, like Martinez and Keita Balde, have a golden opportunity. So far, Keita has been injured and was rushed into the Europa League match with Frankfurt Thursday. However, Martinez, Perisic and Politano can all find ways to hit the back of the net. Couple that with a healthy Radja Nainggolan, Andrea Ranocchia and even Marcelo Brozovic and Inter has plenty of scoring ability to go around.

Is Lautaro Martinez the real deal and can he be the next great Inter striker from Argentina?

I believe Lautaro has a ton of potential. He is more mobile than Icardi and has the ability to really blossom into a perennial scoring threat. I just think he needs time. He is still young (just 21 years old) and he is still adapting to Italian football. If his performance in Argentina is any indication of where he could be, I think Serie A could be in trouble.

How hot is Spaletti’s seat?

I would like to think it is on fire. In fact, there are several in our community that believe a loss Sunday should lead to his ouster. I’m just not sure where Steven Zhang and Beppe Marotta stand with it. That said, anything less than a top four in Serie A at the end of the season and I would think Spalletti is out. With all of the issues this season, that top four finish may not be enough to save his job.

How has the Europa League exit affected the club’s morale? For Milan, it was disappointing for a while, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise as it’s allowed Milan to concentrate on the league and on the Coppa Italia.

I think it will sting a bit, but in all honesty, it was a tough draw to be had and I don’t think you overlook Eintracht Frankfurt as a serious favorite to win. That said, it is disappointing and it could be a deciding factor in whether Spalletti returns next season or not. I think falling back on saying ‘well, now we can focus on our domestic schedule’ is a little lame, but teams do it all the time. There is always that expectation that when you are in the Europa League or the Champions League, you are there to win it. If you don’t it is disappointing. But, it does free things up for Inter to focus on a top four position in the league.

I know you’re not a big prediction guy, but what do you think will happen in the Derby?

Ugh. It is really hard to say here. If Inter is up and playing to their potential, I think they squeak one out. But, if they are down from Thursday’s loss and the recent issues off the pitch, Milan could have a field day. But, this is a Derby match and you can throw records and past performances out the door. 1-1 draw and further table drama to ensue.