Pippo Inzaghi admits his first Milan derby “cannot be a game like the others, but it’ll be difficult for Inter to be stronger than us.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Pippo Inzaghi admits his first Milan derby “cannot be a game like the others, but it’ll be difficult for Inter to be stronger than us.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Alex is injured and Daniele Bonera suspended, but Keisuke Honda is fit despite international duty in Japan and Riccardo Montolivo could make his comeback from the bench.
“Unfortunately Alex picked up this muscular injury in training, but whoever will replace him is sure to do a great job. There are many options, including Zaccardo, Albertazzi, Armero and Zapata.
“A Coach has to watch his players every day and make the right choices. I’ve now understood why I was on the bench so often, as I’d come on and shake up the team.”
Inter have new Coach Roberto Mancini on the bench after Walter Mazzarri’s dismissal, so does that give them the edge?
“San Siro will be our edge. Mancio is accustomed to many derbies. I am always excited, but seeing the stadium I think we’ll realise it cannot be a game like the others. We must seek victory in every possible way, as you win derbies, you don’t play them.
“It’s a shame for Mazzarri, as it is a defeat for everyone when a Coach is sacked. He will return stronger than ever. We must have great respect for him, as this is a tough profession. Mancini has won a great deal, but I’d never dare think this match would be more difficult with another Coach in charge.
“It will be difficult for anyone to be stronger than this Milan tomorrow night. We must start again from our performance against Sampdoria. The time for talk is over, we’ll see on the pitch who is stronger.
“We are ready for this challenge and trained very well. I can’t wait for it to be tomorrow. I didn’t think about Inter so much as about Milan. I do my team talks from the gut, so I don’t know what I’ll say to them tomorrow. At times a Coach doesn’t even need to talk. Nobody needs extra motivation.
“We’ve tested out both 4-3-3 or 4-2-4, but I haven’t decided yet. There is no ideal tactical system, otherwise everyone would use it. At the end of the day what really counts is spirit, hunger, organisation and sacrifice.”
This is Inzaghi’s first derby as a Coach, but he has experienced many during his playing career for the Rossoneri.
“My favourite derbies? The first, which I was fortunate enough to win, and then the Champions League euroderby of 2003. I can only hope some of my players get the opportunity to win a Champions League like that.
“My players will get to experience a special game with respect for their opponents, doing everything to win. The derby is open to any result.”
Fernando Torres has struggled to get on the scoresheet this season, so can he make the difference in this huge game?
“He has the right movements for our style of football. I hope he can break through tomorrow, as he can drag us to the top. It could well be his game,” added Inzaghi.