Former Milan & Inter forward Pazzini: ‘It’s no surprise Allegri won both derbies’

Giampaolo Pazzini has hailed Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical preparation after Milan’s derby victory over Inter, while insisting the title race remains firmly in Inter’s hands despite the gap narrowing to seven points.

The former Milan striker, who spent three seasons at San Siro between 2012 and 2015, spoke to Aura Sport, via PianetaMilan, in the aftermath of a result that has breathed new life into a Serie A campaign that had appeared all but settled.

Allegri himself was characteristically measured in his post-match assessment, describing the win as simply “one fewer victory needed to secure Champions League qualification,” but supporters could be forgiven for dreaming of something greater.

Pazzini hails Allegri preparation in Milan derby victories

Pazzini was generous in his praise for both sides. On Inter’s defeat, he acknowledged that Cristian Chivu had struggled tactically, something the Inter coach himself admitted in his post-match press conference.

“Inter’s last defeat before this was also in the derby against Milan, after which they went on a run of 14 wins and one draw,” Pazzini noted. “There is no doubt Chivu got the game wrong.”

The sharper focus of his analysis, however, was reserved for Allegri.

“You have to give credit to Milan, Allegri prepares matches perfectly,” he said. “It is no surprise that he has won both derbies this season.”

On the title race, Pazzini was clear-eyed. With Inter no longer competing in the Champions League and therefore able to dedicate full focus to the league, clawing back a seven-point deficit over the final ten matches would require something truly unexpected.

“I think the Scudetto conversation is still closed,” he said plainly.