The Nerazzurri are enjoying another superb season domestically and are still unbeaten with more than three months of the season gone.

Milan on the other hand are struggling and are languishing in ninth place, 11 points behind their bitter city rivals.

In an interview with Sky Italia, Materazzi was asked why Milan perform well in Europe but continue to struggle in Serie A.

“I do not think they are struggling, the championship is different,” said the Matrix.

“While we ourselves are still adapting to the Champions League, they are adapting to the championship.

“In the championship everyone knows how you play and less space is granted. I do not believe it is a matter of motivation for Milan.”

Materazzi was then asked how he got on with the Milan players, and he had a curious story to tell about Gennaro Gattuso.

“I am friends with many of them because we shared the unique experience of the World Cup,” said the no-nonsense hardman.

“Gattuso is like a brother to me and one time in the disco I had to give it to someone to defend him. On the field however it is a totally different matter.”