Paul Di Canio has defended Curtis Jones after Inter Milan's 3-1 derby defeat to AC Milan, insisting the former Liverpool midfielder will be a starter for the Italian champions. Jones, who joined Inter in the summer for an initial £25m, missed the match through injury.
Heated Exchange on Sky Italia
The defeat ended Inter's unbeaten start to the season and sparked a debate between Sky Italia pundits Di Canio and Giancarlo Marocchi. Marocchi argued the result could have been different if another injured player, Federico Dimarco, had been available.
Di Canio, a former West Ham and Sheffield Wednesday striker, dismissed that claim, asking: "Why? He also lost the derbies because he didn't play well. I remember them." Marocchi then mocked Di Canio for his previous praise of Jones, saying: "The one I saw in Italy isn't your Curtis Jones."
Serie A vs Premier League
Di Canio, known for his fiery temperament during his playing career, responded with a cutting remark about the standard of Serie A compared to the Premier League. He said: "I understand why the Premier League bothers you. It's three leagues above Serie A."
He added: "Remember, Curtis Jones will be the starter. He provides counter-attack and also helps out in front of the defence. You'll see he'll play, he's the most advanced."
Jones's Mixed Start at Inter
Jones has made five appearances for Inter since his move from Liverpool and has started two games. Before his injury, he impressed in league matches but made a costly error that led to a goal in Inter's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
Jones said manager Cristian Chivu was a key factor in his decision to join the club, explaining: "There's a reason I came here: the phone calls we had, how the team plays, his tactical ideas and how he works every single day. It's the small things he says, things that might seem minor but end up having a massive impact. Plus, he has immense experience and played at the highest level himself. He's managed the squad brilliantly. He's one of us and to me, that's fundamental."
