AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma says the gap between his team and their Milan rival, Inter, has diminished.

The number one Italian goalie is speaking ahead of the Derby della Madonnina, which will hold on Saturday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

Speaking with Sky Sport Italia, the goaltender said the gap has reduced due to their smart transfer business in the summer window despite Inter strengthening their squad.

Milan signed Sandro Tonali from relegated Brescia; Jens Petter Hauge from FK Bodø/Glimt, Alexis Saelemaekers from RSC Anderlecht.

Simon Kjaer made his loan move permanent, while the Rossoneri also signed Brahim Diaz and Diogo Dalot from Real Madrid and Manchester United on loan.

Achraf Hakimi, Arturo Vidal, Matteo Darmian, Aleksandar Kolarov joined the squad from Real Madrid, Parma, and Roma.

Inter also turned the loan deals of Nicolo Barella, Stefano Sensi, Alexis Sanchez into permanent contracts.

Lauding the coach, Stefano Pioli, Donnarumma said he is doing great, adding that what is left is for his teammate to prove on the field that they are ready to match Inter.

The goalie, who also stated that Milan can’t wait to play Inter, said the club wants to make up for the lost time and have a great derby.

As far as Donnarumma is concerned, it’s winning that matters than the possession game. Milan had lost their last four meetings with their rivals.

While noting that Inter is a great team with a great coach in Antonio Conte, he said they could do very well this year, but Milan can.

Therefore, he is very optimistic that having a good game in the derby would give his team the self-confidence going forward.

Meanwhile, veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to be in the starting line up after recovering from COVID-19.

Donnarumma is happy that the Swede will be available for the clash, adding that he will give the team a big hand.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed