After seeing his side surrendering their lead at the top of the Serie A table, AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli will use today’s Derby della Madonnina match against Inter to determine their title prospects.

The Rossoneri had led the race for the title for much of the season but were overtaken last weekend as they slumped to a shock 2-0 defeat to Spezia, allowing Inter to move one point ahead after beating Lazio 3-1.

As reported in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pioli did not expect to challenge for the title with Milan this season, but results across the campaign have given him and the club hope of a first Scudetto since 2011.

The former Inter coach does not view the match against the Nerazzurri today as decisive in determining the title, but instead will be used as a gauge of Milan’s credentials.

Meanwhile, despite being a boyhood Inter fan, Pioli is reported to feel at home at Milan and is committed to the club’s long-term project.