Stefano Pioli warns Milan to ‘absolutely not’ think about the Europa League and Roma as they face Sassuolo, but admits he was not aware of a derby danger.
It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT).
It has been a tense few days for the Rossoneri, who suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Roma in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final.
“We must not think about Thursday, absolutely not. We have to focus on doing well today, as second place in Serie A is important and has not been secured yet,” Pioli told DAZN.
“Sassuolo are very motivated, but we must be too, as we have our qualities to put onto the field.”
The decider is coming up next Thursday at the Stadio Olimpico, so Pioli rotates the squad, but there is no rest for Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The Portuguese player in particular was lambasted by fans and critics for his sluggish performance in Europe.
“The choices were made based on the condition of the players, how they responded to the recent games. Rafa is fine.”
The pressure is also on to stop Inter being able to mathematically secure the Scudetto during the Derby della Madonnina against Milan on Monday, April 22.
Pioli was asked if the fact he is one yellow card away from a touchline ban will affect his behaviour today at the Mapei Stadium, but it seemed to come as a surprise to the coach.
“I didn’t know that I was on a yellow card… We’ll see!”