Inter cannot afford to lose Sunday’s derby but neither can AC Milan, according to the Rossoneri’s former midfielder Roberto Dondoni.
Antonio Conte’s side are sitting at the top of the Serie A table with 50 points to their name, one clear of their city rivals.
Victory for either side could prove decisive in the race for the Scudetto, albeit there would still be 15 games left before the title can be handed out.
“This is an important week for AC Milan in particular, although the derby is a match neither side can afford to lose,” former Italy boss Donadoni told Corriere dello Sport in an interview for Thursday’s print edition.
“The derby is always a pivotal moment in the season.
“Winning it gives you the energy, enthusiasm and spirit to continue your season.”
Many onlookers seem to think the fight for the Scudetto has become a two-way battle between Inter and AC Milan, but Donadoni had other ideas.
“I’d like it a lot for this to be AC Milan’s year, but there are other teams who are emerging,” he argued.
“I’m not just thinking about Inter but also Juventus and Roma.”
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.
