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On Saturday, La Gazzetta dello Sport declared it the greatest derby in the world and the game hadn’t even happened yet. The pink sport daily had “analysed” all of Europe’s other derbies and decided none had as many titles between them, as big attendances or successful teams as the Derby Della Madonnina.
La Gazzetta’s liberal criteria aside, on Sunday evening spectators and television viewers were treated to an engrossing affair at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium.
In fact, it was a great weekend for Italian calico and it’s followers in general.
On Saturday, ‘Le Elephante’ in Catania continued to turn over a new leaf both on and off the pitch. Almost three years to the day after a policeman was killed outside the Stadio Massimino during the Derby di Sicilia, Catania entertained Parma in front a joyous and nearly full house without a hint of trouble.
Later that day, Claudio Ranieri returned to Juventus with his new club, Roma. It wasn’t the most aesthetic game of football but was nonetheless still entertaining football. 24 hours later and Marco Bresciano’s “Super Palermo” continued their climb in Serie A’s European places.
Then, of course, came the derby so important to ultra Catholic Milan they named it after the Christ’s mother and the latest edition was a corker.
After 90 minutes, two goals, two red cards and one saved penalty Inter Milan were victorious. As the stadium erupted the players celebrated like they had just won the Scudetto (though some in Italy feel they may have).
When interviewed after the final whistle Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar was so tired he couldn’t speak. Once the Brazilian finally sputtered out some words he claimed the title race wasn’t over but few believe him.
As if to further emphasise the point a group of Nerazzurri fans unfurled a banner that read “In Milan there are two great squads. Inter and Inter’s reserves.”
Unfortunately victory wasn’t vindication enough for Jose Mourinho with the Portugese’s post-match comments far from appropriate.
Mourinho implied there was foul play at hand when he said he’d “tasted something strange and smelt a strange odour” during the game.
Adding that, “this is your country, your championship. I will move on sooner or later, and the problem will remain yours.
“I believe we will succeed in winning this title one way or another. Now everyone can shut their mouths. This match was an embarrassment.”
It was negligent from Mourinho.
There are already enough people in Italy who have forgotten about Calciopoli and such accusations shouldn’t be banded about with reckless abandon.
So it’s a shame Mourinho couldn’t show the same kind of gracious restraint and respect his opposite number Leonardo did after the match.
Yet, while disappointing, it won’t overshadow a thoroughly delightful derby. In fact, it just further emphasises how one match summed up Italian football in all its paradoxically frustrating glory.
Ever since Kaiserslauten in 2006 many Australians, be they football fans or otherwise, have held a strong (yet mostly understandable) resentment against Italian football. But for them, more the pity.
Italian football is a flawed beast but even as it flops in Europe, Serie A continues to provide some of the most entertaining football in the world.
Change within “calico”, as always, are still necessary but at the end of the day all you can do is laugh at its flaws. Otherwise the frustration will stop you from enjoying moments like we saw on Sunday night.
January 26th 2010 @ 5:05am
Tifosi said | January 26th 2010 @ 5:05am | ! Report
Mourinho show restraint? HA HA good one !!
Being a Inter fan this was a great result as it gets us closer to another scudetto.
Its no doubt one of the worlds great sporting derby’s, though its not the greatest.
I still have to give that to Rangers v Celtic. They both genuinely hate each other !!!
January 26th 2010 @ 7:45am
Daniel King said | January 26th 2010 @ 7:45am | ! Report
You lot have obviously never been to Boston United V Gainsborough Trinity!
January 26th 2010 @ 7:53am
Midfielder said | January 26th 2010 @ 7:53am | ! Report
Barca V Real maybe
January 26th 2010 @ 8:01am
Davidde Corran said | January 26th 2010 @ 8:01am | ! Report
Arguably it would be if they were from the same city but they aren’t so it isn’t a derby.
January 26th 2010 @ 7:54am
Midfielder said | January 26th 2010 @ 7:54am | ! Report
Mariners V Bogan Scum (Newcastle)
January 26th 2010 @ 11:44am
macavity said | January 26th 2010 @ 11:44am | ! Report
dont you mean Newcastle v Gypos?
January 26th 2010 @ 7:56am
Tinnie said | January 26th 2010 @ 7:56am | ! Report
Great game, Milan unlucky not to score during the 20min onslaught at the start of 2nd half.
Fair chunk of the Brazilian national team were on the pitch during that match, lol
I know a few people who consider this the worlds greatest derby, but i’d probobly go with Celtic/Rangers too. Liverpool/Everton is always big, Boca Jnrs/Riverplate is massive in S.America. The most insane derby that comes to mind is definately Zenit St Petersburg vs Spartak Moscow, truly mindblowing.
January 26th 2010 @ 8:01am
Punter said | January 26th 2010 @ 8:01am | ! Report
The 3 biggest derbies in the world;
Inter v AC Milan.
Rangers v Celtic Glasgow
Boca v River Plate Buenos Aires.
While Barca & Real are massive rivals, they are not Derbies as such.
January 26th 2010 @ 9:57am
zizou said | January 26th 2010 @ 9:57am | ! Report
Would agree that Boca and River is huge in Buenos Aires. Have been there once when it was on, city pretty much ground to a halt. However, the Flamengo-Fluminense clash in Brazil would have to run it pretty close.