Roberto Mancini has played down the tension surrounding the derby showdown after some sniping comments from Clarence Seedorf.
The Milan midfielder pointed out Inter played “ugly” football and were rarely entertaining, while he accused Marco Materazzi of being “inelegant” for hoping the Rossoneri miss out on Champions League qualification.
It will be the third Scudetto on the trot, although Seedorf and others also insist it is only the second because the first was handed to them by the courts following the Calciopoli scandal.
“I have nothing to say, everyone is free to say what they want,” snapped a clearly irritated Mancini.
“Every time I open my mouth someone stirs up all kinds of controversy, so I prefer to keep quiet.”
The Coach was also annoyed at questions over his future after he failed to attend a post-match Press conference last Sunday.
“This shows you what level we’re at now. I can’t even be tired after a game without people spinning a yarn about it.”
With so much controversy, Mancio is eager to calm his players down ahead of what is set to be a fiery Derby della Madonnina.
“All derbies have that certain atmosphere, but admittedly this one is a little different as it could be the match where we celebrate the Scudetto.
“Milan are in much better shape than they were a few months ago. They have great players and sometimes you can run into a season where it all goes wrong. You need that little bit of luck to win.
“Further evidence of that comes from Barcelona, who I consider to be the best team in Europe and the world, but who haven’t won anything for two years.”
A victory on Sunday would mathematically secure the title for the Nerazzurri, though the Coach fears that might be excessive pressure.
“We have to play with our minds clear of pressure. We mustn’t think that it can go badly and we’ll win anyway. The important thing is to get the points, that is all that counts for the Scudetto.
“We are the favourites because we are top of the table and have won three derbies on the trot, but in these situations you never can tell.
“We have to keep a cool head and focus on playing to our strengths without letting Milan make the most of theirs. Balance is essential.”
There are rumours Luis Jimenez could start in place of Dejan Stankovic behind the front two, who would be Julio Ricardo Cruz and 17-year-old sensation Mario Balotelli.
Inter squad: 1 Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar; 4 Zanetti, 6 Maxwell, 13 Maicon, 16 Burdisso, 23 Materazzi, 24 Rivas, 26 Chivu; 5 Stankovic, 11 Jimenez, 14 Vieira, 19 Cambiasso, 21 Solari, 28 Maniche, 30 Pelè; 9 Cruz, 18 Crespo, 29 Suazo, 45 Balotelli.
