This weekend’s Milan derby is being touted as one of the most important in the city’s history: Milan, currently fifth in the Serie A standings, absolutely has to secure three points to maintain any hope of playing in the Champions League next season. Fiorentina is two points ahead of the Rossoneri in the coveted fourth-place position. Inter, meanwhile, could lock down its third consecutive Serie A title with a win.
“Sunday will be something special, past derbies I’ve played in don’t compare, England included,” Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira, a former Milan and Arsenal player, told Thursday’s La Gazzetta dello Sport. “What an atmosphere. I raise my game under pressure. These are the games I live for.”
That said, a victory is probably more important for Milan than Inter given that the Nerazzurri have a six-point lead over second-place Roma with a superior head-to-head record. Inter coach Roberto Mancini hinted that he would prefer to win the Scudetto at home to Siena on May 11, because more fans could enjoy the triumph. This is because Milan is designated as the home team for Sunday’s derby at the San Siro.