Vincenzo Montella warned Milan it would be a huge mistake to “consider ourselves favourites” in the derby with Stefano Pioli’s Inter.
It kicks off tomorrow at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“We are ready and it’s fundamental we reach this appointment with the necessary calm to express our full potential,” the Coach told Milan TV.
Vincenzo Montella warned Milan it would be a huge mistake to “consider ourselves favourites” in the derby with Stefano Pioli’s Inter.
It kicks off tomorrow at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“We are ready and it’s fundamental we reach this appointment with the necessary calm to express our full potential,” the Coach told Milan TV.
“We are facing a side that has had ups and downs, but the only constant is they always put in a great performance when realising the difficulty of the match. We must therefore be aware that Inter will be highly motivated.”
It is the debut game for new Inter boss Pioli, as Frank de Boer was sacked after just 84 days and caretaker manager Stefano Vecchi oversaw a Europa League defeat at Southampton and 3-0 Serie A win over Crotone.
“If I were in Pioli’s shoes, I’d have worked on the psychological aspect first and foremost. I think Inter have players who, taken as individuals, could trouble even Juventus.
“It is a match full of hidden dangers and we must not consider ourselves favourites. Even if we felt that subconsciously, it would be a huge mistake. We have to face this fixture with the same determination and respect we had in our game with Juventus. I think that will get the best out of us.”
This is Montella’s first Derby della Madonnina as a Coach, although he has already won the inter-city clashes in Rome and Genoa.
“I am a bit excited. We thank the many fans who will attend and I’m sure they’ll give us an extra boost. You dream of becoming a football player to feel these emotions.”
Alessio Romagnoli is almost certainly out of action after picking up a muscular problem on international duty, but Carlos Bacca seems to have pipped Gianluca Lapadula to a starting spot in attack.
“We do not have other players similar to Romagnoli, because he has good vision and character. Therefore we’ve got to do something different. There's very little hope of seeing him play tomorrow, as we don't want to risk it.
“Cristian Zapata and Gustavo Gomez have different characteristics, but they are not necessarily complementary in the same squad.
“I think the South Americans are in good shape after international duty.”