Carlo Ancelotti is well aware the derby will decide whether Milan’s season is a failure and hands the reins to SuperPippo Inzaghi.
“I have no doubts, the same line-up that played against Livorno will start against Inter,” revealed the Coach.
That 4-1 victory boosted confidence and took them to within two points of Fiorentina in fourth place, so Clarence Seedorf and Kaka again support Inzaghi, plus Daniele Bonera and Giuseppe Favalli as full-backs.
“Inzaghi could well be decisive once again. The team is in good shape and we are in the ideal condition to take on this very difficult and important derby.
“We are convinced that we will do very well. Without being unbalanced, we want to impose our tempo on Inter. It is going to be the most important crossroads, although we must then beat Napoli and Udinese too.”
A win would mathematically secure the Scudetto for Inter, but Ancelotti feels a Champions League spot is more of a motivator in this situation.
“The target up for grabs is very important for us, as we want to enter the Champions League and have another go at a competition that has given us a great deal. Perhaps for Inter there is not that sense of urgency, as they have another two rounds to get the points they need.”
The Nerazzurri are six points clear of Roma with three games to go and need only the mathematical certainty to start celebrating.
Watching the disappointing spectacle of the Champions League semi-finals, the tactician who lifted the trophy last season admits there were regrets.
“When we faced Arsenal in the second round we were not at our best. It’s a shame, as we could have gone a long way this year, too.”
However, Ancelotti does not forget Inter have won the last three derby meetings on the trot.
“They have not been playing to a high quality lately, but got their results through grit and character,” he continued.
“We will be facing a very physically strong side who are dangerous in the air and on set plays. We are back to playing the way we know how and I think that is our best weapon in this battle.”
Milan have generally tried to avoid commenting on the sex and extortion scandal that has engulfed Ronaldo this week, though Ancelotti did let something slip.
“I care about him and it’s a shame. Certainly it wasn’t his finest hour, but I am not going to judge people’s private lives.”
