We need to breathe life into our campaign

Roberto Mancini does not expect Sunday's meeting with city rivals AC Milan to be a classic, but hopes a win in the 'Derby della Madonnina' can help relaunch Inter Milan's poor season.

"It won't be like before, it will be comparatively poor, but the derby is always an important game and I hope the players will seize the opportunity to breath some life into our campaign," Mancini told reporters on Saturday.

With only eight games remaining this season, both Milan giants face a desperate run-in if they are to clinch a place in Europe next term. Seven-time European champions Milan sit ninth, 28 points behind leaders Juventus and seven behind Fiorentina in the last UEFA Europa League qualifying spot. Inter are tenth, a point further behind.

Mancini, who won seven trophies including three consecutive league titles during his previous spell with Inter from 2004 to 2008, returned for his second spell at the club in November. He took over from the sacked Walter Mazzarri only a day before the first Milan derby of the season, in which Inter snatched a 1-1 draw thanks to Joel Obi levelling Jeremy Menez's 23rd-minute opener for the hosts. Five months on and Mancini has not succeeded in turning Inter's season around.

"I had hoped that we would be far higher up the table and in contention for a shot at the league title," Mancini said. He admits the Nerazzurri, as hosts, will be feeling the pressure more but believes some positive thinking could prove key.

"We're playing at home, so it would be far worse for us if we lost," Mancini said. "The players will be up for the derby, just as they are for all important games. For example, the night before big games I used to visualise how I could score goals the following day."

While Mancini's future at Inter seems secure, for now, the same cannot be said for his Milan counterpart Filippo Inzaghi. The former Milan striker has endured a rollercoaster ride in what is his first senior coaching position. Despite the Rossoneri taking seven points from their past three games, he is expected to be replaced at the end of the season.

Inzaghi welcomed a visit to the club's Milanello training ground by club owner and president Silvio Berlusconi earlier this week and stressed that he has no worries about his future.

"When the president comes here his words, charisma and will to win make the difference," Inzaghi said. "I'm calm, I have a contract and the club will make its evaluation at the end of the season, but I feel I have the support of (CEO, Adriano) Galliani.

"Everyone at the club has been patient with me... it's taken several months for me to realise what is needed to improve this squad. I've come here to win, not to pass the time."
Source: FIFA.com