Derby loss wouldn´t derail Inter, says Ranieri

Inter Milan boss Claudio Ranieri insisted his side can win the Serie A title even if they lose to rivals AC Milan on Sunday.

Ranieri’s men, who are fifth, are eight points adrift of the league leaders, but a loss at the San Siro will put a serious dent in their title aspirations.

The 60-year-old coach said on Saturday his side had plenty of time to make a charge for the title, and a loss to AC Milan would not signal an end to their chances.

“Is the derby a crossroads? As we already said against Juventus, Napoli and Udinese, the three points are the important thing,” Ranieri said.

“We lost three head-to-heads this season and it seemed as if we’d never be able to get back into the race.”

“If we win, then Milan will lose precious points and start to believe we’re back. If we lose then we stay where we are with another 20 matches to climb back up.”

Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder is in contention for a return, while Dejan Stankovic will remain sidelined.

Meanwhile, AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, who has won all three derbies he’s coached in, believes a win for his side will be a big blow to Inter.

“I think after the change of management from Gian Piero Gasperini to Claudio Ranieri that Inter changed their style of football. They are in good shape and have found a balance to their team,” Allegri said.

“The derby is always a tense affair and one that requires great concentration. We are not too far away from them in the table, so must try to win at all costs.”

“After all, a victory would mean cutting down their chances of fighting for the Scudetto, so it is an important crossroads.”

Midfielders Alberto Aquilani and Gennaro Gattuso will both be missing for AC Milan.