Roberto Mancini is excited to make his second Inter debut in the Milan derby, reiterating the “mentality” must change before the tactics.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“The sensations are good because we are playing an important game,” said Mancio in his Press conference, exactly a week after replacing Walter Mazzarri.
Roberto Mancini is excited to make his second Inter debut in the Milan derby, reiterating the “mentality” must change before the tactics.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“The sensations are good because we are playing an important game,” said Mancio in his Press conference, exactly a week after replacing Walter Mazzarri.
“Of course there are always going to be emotions when returning to San Siro, especially in a game like this.
“We know it won’t be easy, but we have worked hard and will give our best. I found a team that is in good shape, apart from a few injuries, but in four days it’s difficult to do much. I need time to understand the players at my disposal.”
Milan have hinted they are worried by the change of management so close to the derby, fearing it can give Inter the morale boost they need.
“It’s not easy to change mid-season, even if there can be a spark. Milan know they are playing a derby that will always be special, regardless of the change of Coach.
“Mazzarri is a good Coach and not someone who didn’t know what he was doing. I have players suited to a three-man defence or four. I am not worried and whether we play with three, four or five at the back makes little difference. We have to step on to the field with the right mentality.”
It is not just the defence that Mancini will revamp, but also Inter’s midfield and attack, trying to revitalise players like Mateo Kovacic and Fredy Guarin.
“I think Guarin is a great midfielder who must both attack and defend. He has the goal in his blood and will be an important player for us.
“Kovacic has excellent quality and is very young. We have to expect a few errors at his age, but will work to get the best out of him. We mustn’t put too much pressure on, because he cannot be the one who changes every game. Considering his role and his characteristics, we do expect plenty of goals from him. He needs to be close to the box, without forgetting to give a hand to the defence.
“Hernanes is not in great shape, so I will decide tomorrow morning who to use in that position. Of course to win you need a solid defence and it’s fundamental everyone lends a hand. I will try to give a more attacking mindset to those players moving into space without the ball.”
Milan have Pippo Inzaghi on the bench going into his first Derby della Madonnina, having experienced it many times as a striker.
“Pippo has a great history behind him as a player, was given this big chance to coach Milan and I think he can have a wonderful future as a tactician. Of course he’ll make mistakes, as it’s never simple when you’re starting out. It takes time to really learn about this job.”
Mancini took Inter to the Scudetto twice during his previous tenure from 2004 to 2008, but times have changed.
“I am not accustomed to challenging for third place, which is a little dispiriting. Our job is to get as many points as possible and see where we are in a few months. Inter and Milan have always challenged for the top targets and made football history, so it’s just a coincidence they are behind this season.
“I spoke to President Thohir for half an hour and he made a good impression on me. We need to get to know each other better, but there’s time for that. He has great passion for Inter and football, which is important.”