Carlo Ancelotti sees the derby result contributing more “psychologically” than in terms of the table for Milan.
“This is an important game on a psychological level, above all for us,” said the Rossoneri Coach ahead of Sunday night’s showdown.
“If we beat Inter tomorrow, then we will put a definitive end to the negative period we have been going through and begin a new era.
“If we lose, then it means we still have a lot of work to do, but it won’t be decisive for the Scudetto race either way.”
Milan had a woeful start to the campaign with two straight defeats, but have won their last three between the UEFA Cup and Serie A.
Inter are still unbeaten and top the table, even though their performances have not been 100 per cent impressive.
“I am convinced you win these games not by trying to mould yourself to your opponents and finding their weak spot, but by imposing your own tactical, mental and physical characteristics on to them.
“These are what you need to win. I repeat, you can only beat Inter by commanding the play.”
It is the first Derby della Madonnina with Jose Mourinho at the helm, a very different figure to the quiet and mild-mannered Ancelotti.
“I think he is a talented Coach who proved with his results at Chelsea that he knows how to do his job. It is too early to pass judgement on how he is doing in Italy.
“I believe him to be an intelligent person and, despite the fact the media is pushing me to say he is unlikeable, I won’t say it because it isn’t true.
“This Inter has changed from Roberto Mancini’s era, as they focus more on the counter-attack. Mancini tried to go for a more rounded approach.”
Ancelotti was one of those tipped to replace Mourinho at Stamford Bridge and admits some of the stories were true.
“I did have a meeting with the Chelsea directors, but these claims of a massive pay deal are complete lies. We discussed football, not money.”
Marco Borriello is out with a muscular problem, so Andriy Shevchenko is expected to start, although Ronaldinho could still be on the bench.
“Dinho is training well and the fact he’ll stay with us during the break for international duty will allow him to recuperate his fitness levels quicker,” continued Ancelotti.
“Sheva looked good too and the derby is very special for him, as he has always done well against Inter. I know my starting XI, but will keep it to myself. I’ll only reveal eight names: Abbiati, Zambrotta, Maldini, Kaladze, Jankulovski, Gattuso and Kaka.”
Although Milan have turned a corner in terms of results, they are still without a clean sheet this season.
“It is true we conceded in every game, but I have seen improvements over the last few days, especially in the way the team works together to defend. If we continue like this, we’ll stop leaking goals.”
| 
