Fuente: © Inter de Milan
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INTER: Mancini: "Cool heads"

/noticias.info/ APPIANO GENTILE - More of Roberto Mancini's Milan derby news conference:

Do you accept the role as favourites to win this derby?
"We're favourites because we're top of the table and we have won three consecutive derbies, but it's impossible to forecast these matches. It's hard to say who are favourites because two great teams face each other."

What difference is there between a Milan team with Inzaghi on the pitch and a Milan team with Pato?
"Pato is a brilliant player and he's young - a bit like Mario (Balotelli). Inzaghi is in great form at the moment after not having played much due to various problems, and the goals he has scored are proof of this. So we will have to be very careful, whether Inzaghi or Pato plays. They are two different, but quality players."

What advice have you given Balotelli for his first derby? Have you told him not to let himself be provoked, given that he's one yellow card away from a suspension?
"He has played three matches since he has been on a warning, so he's bound to get a booking sooner or later. What has happened in the past few weeks will be useful to him in the future and help him understand how he should behave. But this is part of a player's character - when he's older he will understand that he has to be a bit more careful in some cases."

Have you already decided your defence for tomorrow afternoon?
"Yes, and I hope it's the best solution. But whoever plays against Inzaghi can have problems. Inzaghi lives for goals and he's extremely dangerous in the penalty area. Given his current physical condition, we'll have to pay more attention to him."

Inter can afford not to win this derby. Is this a psychological advantage, and will it help you play with fewer worries?
"We have to play with clear minds. We mustn't think that we have to win hands down, or not worry if we lose. We need to keep cool heads and think that it's important for us to win without giving them the chance to exploit their best weapons. We'll have to be balanced."

Will you rest a few of the players on warnings in tomorrow's game?
"A few of the cautioned players will definitely remain on the bench, because almost all of them are on cautions."

How does it feel to know that if you win the derby you will surpass Helenio Herrera and write another page in Inter's history?
"Herrera? Let's not exaggerate. He's a legend. I didn't know this thing and I don't think it's very important. The only thing that matters for us is winning the championship. Everything else isn't very important." notas_de_prensa_archivo