APPIANO GENTILE – Walter Mazzarri opened his press conference on the eve of the Nerazzurri's last match of the year by speaking about the emotion involved in such a massive game: "The derby has a special feel to it, we all know that, but I'm trying to think about that aspect as little as possible until I get to the steps which lead up to the pitch – perhaps then I'll really understand what the Milan derby is all about!" the coach smiled.
"Right now I have to think about how to get my team to play. The lads must go out there ready to play in a certain way and I hope to see them producing the sort of football I like: an attacking game with the ball on the ground. I'd like to see my team play the way they did against Napoli, but without the mistakes. Then of course you get games when your opponent forces you back and you have to play on the break as well."
The coach went on: "Football is about being alert, not tense. To do certain things you have to be able to keep a clear head in certain areas of the field. And in a derby you need to play with courage, and we're not short of that. There's a lot of expectation and emotion for everyone concerned ahead of this match. It's still only three points like any other game but it can be a boost for our self-confidence, and of course it means a lot more to the fans. I certainly expect it to be a passionate game. I always fire my players up but at the same time I ask them to stay very alert: being alert and focused is key."
