Roberto Mancini explained why he picked 18-year-old Assane Gnoukouri in the Milan Derby. “He doesn’t get anxious.”

It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here to follow our LIVEBLOG.

“Gnoukouri has been working with us for a while and he doesn’t get anxious,” Mancio told Sky Sport Italia.

Roberto Mancini explained why he picked 18-year-old Assane Gnoukouri in the Milan Derby. “He doesn’t get anxious.”

It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here to follow our LIVEBLOG.

“Gnoukouri has been working with us for a while and he doesn’t get anxious,” Mancio told Sky Sport Italia.

“In the 15 minutes I let him play against Verona he did really well. He trains well alongside the others and when this sort of opportunity comes along, it’s good to make the most of them.

“I understand it’s important to make his full debut in the derby. Can he be compared to Mario Balotelli? Mario was a very different type of player, a striker has more responsibility. As a midfielder it will be different.”

President Erick Thohir has flown in from Indonesia for the match.

“He’ll be here for 10 days, so we’ll have time to meet and exchange ideas. It’s pleasing to have him with us. He is a very positive person and he understands it takes time to build something important.”

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