Nesta´s case for the defence

AC Milan captain Alessandro Nesta is confident his team’s defence is in good form ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana clash with rivals Inter.

The Serie A champions conceded three goals in two games at the Audi Cup last week as they finished last in the four-team tournament, which also featured Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Internacional.

But Nesta, 35, said he was confident the defensive line was playing well ahead of Saturday’s game at the Beijing National Stadium.

“I think AC Milan’s defence played very well last season, together with the rest of the team. In the second half of the Italian league, our rivals only scored seven times against us and not many teams can say the same,” he said on Wednesday.

“Furthermore, this year we were joined by (Philippe) Mexes, who at the moment is not well but is recovering. We also have (Taye) Taiwo and Thiago Silva, who is a world-class player.”

“Therefore, I think AC Milan’s defence is in good form as it is.”

The fierce rivals have never met in a Supercoppa final, but Inter – having won the Coppa Italia – will be aiming for their sixth title. League title holders Milan are also out for their sixth Supercoppa trophy.

It is the first competitive Milan derby to be played outside of the city’s iconic stadium, the San Siro.

AC Milan begin their Serie A title defence at Cagliari on August 27, while Inter start their season at home to Lecce a day later.