Roberto Mancini confirms he could use Gary Medel as a centre-back, Ivan Perisic in attack and describes his Milan Derby tactics.

The Derby della Madonnina kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“Who would I take away from Milan? Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano. They are talented and can change the game from one moment to the next. Sinisa Mihajlovic is a good Coach with experience and I’m sure he’ll play to win.”

Roberto Mancini confirms he could use Gary Medel as a centre-back, Ivan Perisic in attack and describes his Milan Derby tactics.

The Derby della Madonnina kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“Who would I take away from Milan? Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano. They are talented and can change the game from one moment to the next. Sinisa Mihajlovic is a good Coach with experience and I’m sure he’ll play to win.”

There were reports he was testing Medel in central defence rather than former captain Andrea Ranocchia, as Joao Miranda returned from international duty with an injury.

“I already have the line-up in my mind. There is only one doubt: Ranocchia or Medel if Miranda doesn’t make it,” Mancio told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I hope Miranda can recover right to the final minute, but if he still feels pain, then we won’t run any risks.

“Gary can play right-centre in a four-man defence or centre-left with three at the back. He knows how to play there and has done it well for Chile. For the derby, Medel can play there or in midfield.

“Anyway, Ranocchia is still an Italy defender and last season was blamed for many errors that were not his. I know that if he does play, he will have a great game.

“The basic tactics remain the same as we’ve been working on so far, the 4-3-1-2. I haven’t sold all the trequartista, as Adem Ljajic or Ivan Perisic can play there. They are very versatile and can play any attacking role. Fredy Guarin could go there too, but not Stevan Jovetic, as he is a striker.

“Perisic is one of the most important players on the European stage. He started out as a centre-forward, so could even replace Mauro Icardi when needed. I agree with Marcello Lippi, Perisic is the best buy of the summer and will become the breakout star of Serie A this season.”

Mauro Icardi was in doubt after a muscular problem, but has resumed training over the last few days.

“He’s not at 100 per cent, but close, and he should start. He’s our best hitman, has enormous potential and the captain’s armband can motivate him even more. I chose him as captain, feeling he needed a signal to push him definitely towards maturation.”

There were also reports that Martin Montoya was so unimpressive he’d be sent back to Barcelona early from the loan spell.

“He came in from a very different League and atmosphere, in a team that mainly attacked and was accustomed to keeping possession for long periods. I didn’t drop him, he just needs time.”

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