Friday 2 May, 2008

Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf believes that the difference between the Diavolo and Inter is a clinical attitude. “They don’t always excite.”

The build-up to Sunday’s all-important Derby della Madonnina is gathering intensity with comments from players on both sides.

Seedorf, who played for Inter between 2000 and 2002, is the latest star to have his say and the Dutch international’s views could antagonise the Nerazzurri.

“It’s true that there hasn’t been such an important and charged derby for a long time,” he began.

“I think that as teams we have two different ways of getting the victory.

“Inter maybe have superior individual talents that allow them to get leads and close games more easily – you could call it cynical football. But they don’t always play the same quality of football that we do.

“They are referring to this as a third Scudetto? They say that you either have class or you don’t. I think that you should try and avoid using words that could offend others.”

Milan are chasing Fiorentina for fourth place and will be hoping that yesterday’s cruel UEFA Cup semi-final defeat will upset the Viola’s rhythm.

“You can’t tell what reaction an event like that will do to a side, especially for a team who deserved to be in the Final so much,” Seedorf explained.

“But we have to think about ourselves. We have achieved two objectives and another one is still possible – we have to try and reach it.”

One of the major talking points of the last few months around San Siro has been the possible arrival of Barcelona ace Ronaldinho.

“I don’t think that the Brazilian is a priority, but just one of several,” Seedorf explained.

“I would be happy if he arrived and I think that Carlo Ancelotti would find a formation that would suit him, but other players are needed.

“Would my position be under threat? I just try and put myself in the Coach’s plans, but I know that to have three strikers like Ronaldo, Alexandre Pato and Alberto Gilardino on the bench is ridiculous.

“However, I think that the understanding between myself and Kaka over the last two seasons has been important.”