Guarin holds no derby fear

Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin insists city rivals AC Milan do not scare him ahead of Sunday’s derby.

Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin insists city rivals AC Milan do not scare him ahead of Sunday’s derby.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side have recently enjoyed an upturn in form, culminating in their Champions League last-16 victory over Barcelona midweek, while Inter’s fortunes, in contrast, have seen them slip out of the top three in Serie A.

The Colombia international issued a rallying cry, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Milan do not scare me. I respect them like every other team.

“I’d sacrifice a lot to beat Milan, but it’s not important if me or my strike partners score. I want to help the team and showcase 100 percent of my talent and physical strength.

“They played great against the best team in the world, but we are Inter. And it must be remembered that the derby is different from the Champions League.

“Milan have several players that can make a difference, but I only care about the threat posed by a team, not an individual.

“Our first goal is to qualify in the Champions League and I have so much confidence (in what Inter are doing). We’ll make sure (the race for) third place goes down to the wire.”

Guarin spoke about the absence of striker Diego Milito, who will miss the rest of the season after sustaining cruciate ligament damage in the first leg of Inter’s Europa League knockout success over Cluj.

“Diego is the reference point to our attack. His very presence brings fear to the opposing defenders, and without him, everything is more difficult. We have to give more,” Guarin said.

“One of my characteristics is to score and make assists. I want to do even more and I hope to improve. Without Milito, the team needs me. I love playing in the inside right of midfield, but I’ll play anywhere.”