Ahead of the much anticipated Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday, Sunderland frontman Fabio Borini has spoken about the North East’s greatest footballing spectacle, and his love of the pressure that it brings.
In a feature by Chris Young of the Sunderland Echo, the Italian forward claims that he actually prefers the lack of home advantage on derby day.
I prefer it being at St James’ Park. I prefer all the stadium against you than all the stadium in favour because if you do well against 50,000 people, the feeling is better. You can feel like you beat 50,000 people on your own. At home you know they’re on your side even if you don’t win.
Although he was absent during the Black Cats’ October win over Newcastle, the 24-year-old has previous against Rafa Benitez’s side, as he scored in each of his meetings with the Magpies during his loan stint in the 2013-14 season.
It’s good to upset 50,0000 people!
Borini hasn’t quite lived up to expectations since arriving back at the Stadium of Light, but recent outings against Southampton and Crystal Palace (where he bagged a last-minute equaliser) have given cause for optimism.
The former Liverpool and Roma man has been a thorn in Newcastle’s side in the past, and he hopes to be once again this weekend.
