APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini believes that tomorrow's derby is a massive game regardless of the two teams' current league positions and hopes for a victory that could propel Inter on to a strong end to the season.
"The derby is always a big match. It might be 'smaller' than in the past because neither side is going through a great time at the moment but it can be a launch pad for us," the boss told journalists at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti the day before Inter v AC Milan.
The Nerazzurri head into the derby on the back of an impressive 3-0 win over Verona last time out but bookings collected in that fixture mean the coach won't be able to stick with the same lineup. "It's a shame I can't put out the same team that performed so well against Verona because of these suspensions. I hope whoever comes in for Guarin and Brozovic can keep us playing at that same high level. The lads need to play this derby with total focus. A win would help us get a bit of consistency going."
Xherdan Shaqiri was one player who didn't start last Saturday. Mancini explained: "It's quite normal that someone who's new to a league might have a slight dip in form. The players we signed in January will be important next season."
The manager then fielded questions about some of his other players, including two of the Primavera youngsters he has blooded this season.
"Camara had already made his debut before I arrived. Gnoukouri did really well last Saturday and could have a great future ahead of him.
"Medel can play on the outside of midfield three, yes.
"Kovacic has fantastic ability and he needs to make the most of it when he plays.
"Nagatomo is a smashing lad. The only reason he hasn't been playing is that he spent such a long time on the sidelines. He hasn't got 90 minutes in him yet.
Mancini also commented on the fans and their expectations: "We'd all like to win every game and when you play you try to win for the fans at the stadium as well. Sometimes you manage it, sometimes you don't. When I came here I hoped Inter would be higher at this stage of the season quite honestly. There have been some positives but I know we can do much better.
"San Siro isn't an easy ground to play at. When things aren't going well, either you're so strong that you don't feel it, or it can get to you. We suffer a lot less away from home. Playing in front of our home fans must make us stronger."
The boss concluded by replying to a question about whether can Inter still qualify for next year's Europa League: "A lot depends on the sides that are ahead of us. It's hard to say at the moment."
Fans at the Stadio Meazza tomorrow will receive a free MatchDay Programme with a host of derby features including an exclusive interview with Roberto Mancini.
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LIVE! CONFERENZA STAMPA ROBERTO MANCINI PRIMA DI INTER-MILAN 18.4.2015 14:30 CEST
