Milan's title chances on line against Inter
Saturday, 23 January 2010
ROME, Jan 22 (AFP): AC Milan head into this weekend's top of the table derby clash with Inter Milan knowing defeat could spell the end of their Serie A title hopes.
Champions Inter have a six-point lead at the top although Milan, in second, have a game in hand, away to Fiorentina in February.
In-form Milan head into this match with eight wins from their last nine Serie A clashes while Inter have stumbled several times recently, particularly on their travels.
They have won only one of their last four away matches in the league and even needed two late strikes to earn a 4-3 victory at home to rock bottom Catania in their last home match.
They will be the hosts at the San Siro Sunday, although the stadium is also Milan's home.
The nominal visitors know that while a draw would not be a disaster, the loss of all three points would be.
"The table says we are six points back with a game in hand although that is away to Fiorentina and will be very difficult," said combative midfielder Gennaro Gattuso.
"But we cannot afford to lose the derby, even with a draw we'd still be in with a chance. We'd still be six points back but with a game in hand and the fight would be open."
Gattuso, though, admitted to being worried about Inter's amazing powers of recovery.
Champions Inter have a six-point lead at the top although Milan, in second, have a game in hand, away to Fiorentina in February.
In-form Milan head into this match with eight wins from their last nine Serie A clashes while Inter have stumbled several times recently, particularly on their travels.
They have won only one of their last four away matches in the league and even needed two late strikes to earn a 4-3 victory at home to rock bottom Catania in their last home match.
They will be the hosts at the San Siro Sunday, although the stadium is also Milan's home.
The nominal visitors know that while a draw would not be a disaster, the loss of all three points would be.
"The table says we are six points back with a game in hand although that is away to Fiorentina and will be very difficult," said combative midfielder Gennaro Gattuso.
"But we cannot afford to lose the derby, even with a draw we'd still be in with a chance. We'd still be six points back but with a game in hand and the fight would be open."
Gattuso, though, admitted to being worried about Inter's amazing powers of recovery.