AC Milan president Paolo Scaroni believes Sunday’s derby against Inter could determine the outcome of this season’s Serie A title race.
Inter’s 3-1 win over Lazio last night took them past the Rossoneri at the top of the table, after Stefano Pioli’s side surprisingly lost at Spezia on Saturday.
One point currently separates the two sides but Inter could go four points clear with a win, which would put Antonio Conte’s men in a strong position to secure a first Serie A title since 2010.
“It will be a decisive week for this season,” Scaroni remarked in an interview with Italian radio station Radio Rai Gr Parlamento today.
“We at AC Milan did not get excited when we were first in the league and we will not give up now we are second.”
Scaroni then went on to add that the derby will be key and admitted that the Milanese clubs alongside reigning Italian champions Juventus are the favourites for the title.
“We care a lot about the Europa League on Thursday, then the derby will be a key moment.
“This week will tell us a lot about the rest of the season.
“The league has never been so good, we are all enjoying seeing how close teams are.
“Inter, AC Milan and Juventus seem to be the favourites, but I don’t rule out surprises.”
AC Milan must face Red Star Belgrade, who are managed by Inter legend Dejan Stankovic, in the Europa League on Thursday before turning their attention to the derby.
Conte’s side, meanwhile, can start preparing for the Scudetto showdown immediately.