Roberto Mancini said Inter have “more to lose” than Milan in tomorrow’s Derby della Madonnina, but can relaunch their prospects.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
It’s going to be an uphill struggle for either of these giant clubs to even qualify for Europe next season, so the Derby della Madonnina could be more about pride than anything else.
Roberto Mancini said Inter have “more to lose” than Milan in tomorrow’s Derby della Madonnina, but can relaunch their prospects.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
It’s going to be an uphill struggle for either of these giant clubs to even qualify for Europe next season, so the Derby della Madonnina could be more about pride than anything else.
“The derby is an important game, even if it’s a little ‘poor’ compared to previous years. As far as we’re concerned, it must be the foundation for a relaunch,” said the Nerazzurri Coach in a Press conference.
“Who has more to lose? Inter are the ‘home’ team, so arguably it would be worse for us to lose, but in truth the situations are very similar.
“I had hoped Inter would be higher up the table by now and still in the running for silverware. At times our campaign has been negative.
“The players always feel the passion of a derby. As for me, I used to go to sleep thinking of how I could score the next day. There was more tension back then, but the fixture is list is full of big games now.
“We all want to win and hope to make the fans happy when they come out to see us. Unfortunately, at times that doesn’t happen, but it doesn’t mean we are betraying the fans.
“Attitude counts too, but they are young lads and a mistake can happen. It always remains a game and we are here to enjoy sport together.
“It’s a shame I can’t use the same XI that beat Verona, but those who play will do well and we hope to continue along that path.”
Fredy Guarin and Marcelo Brozovic are suspended in midfield, while Dodo, Hugo Campagnaro and Jonathan also miss out.
Xherdan Shaqiri was dropped in the 3-0 victory at Verona last week, so will the Swiss international be left out again?
“A dip in form is understandable, but the players who arrived in January will be very important for next season. At times we expect too much from newcomers and it takes time to settle.
“The same goes for Lukas Podolski. He has played a lot and we thought he could score a few important goals. He’s very professional. I don’t know if he will play tomorrow.”
Mancini gave 18-year-old Assane Gnoukouri his debut against Verona and hinted he could well start the Milan Derby.
“Young lads don’t feel the pressure when they play. If they are talented, then they can find room in the team during the final weeks of the season.”
Yet the senior players are suffering and that’s reflected in the statistics, which show Inter get much better results away from home.
“It’s not easy to play in Milan, as there is a lot more pressure than on our travels. We must try to change things and make playing in front of our supporters into a source of strength.”