Inter cannot afford to miss the chance to put distance between themselves and AC Milan this weekend, according to the Nerazzurri’s former defender Andrea Mandorlini.
Antonio Conte’s side head into Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina sitting at the top of the Serie A table with a one-point lead over the Rossoneri, who have occupied first place in the table for almost the entire campaign.
The sides will meet for the third time this season and this derby will without doubt be the most important of the lot.
“It is an important derby for Inter to create distance back to their opponents,” Mandorlini explained in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport 24 today.
“I think the Nerazzurri will be ready, not playing in Europe tonight like AC Milan have is already important.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed, this derby is a fundamental match.”
Mandorlini, who played for Inter between 1984 and 1991, then assured supporters that Conte would ensure his players were ready to do battle against their city rivals this weekend.
“With the way that Conte works, I am sure that we will see an Inter that is fired up and prepared for the derby,” the former Hellas Verona coach added.
Inter appear to have the psychological upper hand heading into Sunday’s big match at San Siro, but anything can change with a negative result in the derby.
Conte is expected to name an unchanged XI following last Sunday’s win over Lazio, with Christian Eriksen favourite ahead of Arturo Vidal to start in midfield.
