Stefano Pioli believes Inter are the favourite to win the Scudetto, but insists tomorrow’s derby is not decisive for the title race.
The Rossoneri are the Serie A table leaders on even points with Napoli.
They meet Inter in the Derby della Madonnina tomorrow.
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time.
Inter sit third, seven points behind their city rivals and the Partenopei.
Despite the gap between the two Milanese sides, Pioli believes tomorrow’s clash at San Siro won’t be a decisive one in the race for the Serie A title.
“The team feels well, physically and mentally. We are ready for the derby,” Pioli said.
“We prepare every game to win it. The season has just begun so any result won’t be decisive for the final outcome. It’s a very important game for us and our fans, but we can’t look too ahead.
“We won the first derby last season, but the reverse fixture in the girone di ritorno was the key one. We must be focused and do well tomorrow.
“It’s important to be here and have the ambition to win this match.”
The Rossoneri coach reiterates that the Nerazzurri are the favourite to win the title this season.
“Inter are the favourite because they won the title last season and they know what it takes to win,” the coach said.
“We feel well, but the season is long, but Inter are clearly very strong and solid.”
Milan haven’t won a derby ‘at home’ in five years, but by doing it tomorrow, they would push Inter ten points behind them.
“We’ve changed since the last derby, and they’ve changed too. They have a different coach and different players. We have our plan and we’ll try to put it into practice,” the 56-year-old said.
“Inter have technical and physical qualities, I expect a game between two offensive teams, but defending well will be crucial.
“Brozovic is an important player for them. We should not wait for them and try to be aggressive. Rebic has recovered, same as Florenzi and Ballo-Touré, Messias will be ready after the break.
“I’ve already chosen the line-up and the players know them. Tomorrow you’ll know them too.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to start in the Rossoneri attack with Olivier Giroud on the bench.
The Swede has scored three goals in seven appearances across all competitions this season.
“Zlatan is a phenomenon and he continues to prove it by doing everything he does,” said Pioli.
“He feels well, he is in good shape. He is motivated, just like his teammates.”
Where do Milan need to improve?
“We need to improve the way we read games, we must be smart and avoid mistakes. If we commit errors tomorrow, we’ll pay for them. We need to improve further and make more steps forward. We’ve prepared for the game with attention.”
Similar to Allegri, Pioli like to play with his words