A traditional Serbian proverb notes that one tree leans upon another. This familial reliance has guided brothers Filip and Aleksandar Stankovic to the Venetian lagoon, where a rare family milestone unfolds as they prepare to face each other in a Serie A fixture between Venezia and Inter Milan. The siblings are the sons of former midfielder Dejan Stankovic and share deep roots with the Inter youth system, where both developed before their careers diverged.
At the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium, 2002-born goalkeeper Filip aims to anchor Venezia’s defense against one of the league’s top-scoring attacks, while his younger brother Aleksandar stands poised for a milestone first start in the Inter midfield. The matchup carries profound personal significance after months of anticipation.
Though based in different cities—Filip occupying the family’s former residence in Milan while Aleksandar experiences life in Venice—the brothers maintain a close bond. When Aleksandar returned to Inter, Filip was present at club headquarters to witness the signing alongside their older brother, Stefan. Stefan had also developed at Interello before stepping away from the sport at age 17, choosing to leave behind a game where the family surname brought heavy pressure.
In contrast, Filip and Aleksandar embraced the challenge. Aleksandar inherited his father’s traditional number five jersey and central midfield position, while Filip chose the position of goalkeeper, overcoming childhood whispers of favoritism through sheer determination. Both brothers developed a reputation for quiet composure off the pitch and fierce competitiveness on it, having previously captained their respective Primavera youth squads and honed their rivalry through intense matches in tennis and basketball during childhood days at Appiano Gentile.
Their formative years at Inter’s training ground left lasting impressions. Filip recalls watching goalkeeper Julio Cesar and sharing training sessions with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Diego Milito, while Aleksandar cherishes memories of a training match that surprised former manager Jose Mourinho with his powerful ball-striking ability.
Pathways away from Milan shaped their professional development. Filip initially departed in 2021 for a two-season stint with Dutch club Volendam, followed by a period at Sampdoria where he adapted to high-pressure moments on the pitch. Venezia permanently acquired him in June 2025 for 1.5 million euros and subsequently extended his contract through 2030, though Inter retained a 50 percent resale clause rather than a buyback option.
Aleksandar’s trajectory included a loan spell at Lucerne and a successful period in Belgium where he secured a league title and Champions League experience. Inter subsequently exercised a buyback option in his previous contract, bringing him back from Brugge for 23 million euros. Reconnecting with coach Cristian Chivu, the younger Stankovic has worked to establish his place within the squad.
Throughout their development, guidance from their father has remained constant, emphasizing humility and dedication to the club crest over personal recognition. Their godfather, the late Sinisa Mihajlovic, remains a guiding presence in their lives, with both brothers holding onto cherished memories and maintaining close ties with Mihajlovic’s children, including Dusan.
Beyond the pitch, the family’s Serbian heritage remains a touchstone, even as the brothers focus on their professional duties and plan their next shared day off together.
