Milan derby to test Mihajlovic-Mancini bond

A football friendship that has lasted 20 years will be put to the test on Sunday when Roberto Mancini and Sinisa Mihajlovic cross swords during the Inter Milan v AC Milan derby.

The first 'Derby della Madonnina' of the season is always a special event in Lombardy, but this time it's a little different.

Milan coach Mihajlovic was Mancini's assistant from 2006-2008 when the Italian steered Inter to seven trophies, including three consecutive league titles, in his previous spell at the club (2004-2008).

After a positive first coaching experience in Serie A with Sampdoria last season, former Serbia midfielder Mihajlovic's credentials will be put to the test. But so will his valued friendship with Macini.

"I'm proud to have a friend like him and I have to thank him because he gave me the chance to be his assistant," said Mihajlovic.

"I am grateful towards him, but tomorrow we will be adversaries for 90 minutes. It's always nice to see him, but I also like it when I win."

As hosts, the pressure is arguably all on Inter, especially after a summer transfer period in which Mancini bolstered his side to the point they are considered, on paper at least, possible scudetto challengers.

With two wins from their opening two games, Mancini said he will happily forego style if it means picking up the three points.

"Whether we play well or not, all I want is the three points. And I'm sure the fans feels the same," Mancini told media on Saturday.

"I'm convinced we have what it takes to perform well this season. Winning (on Sunday) would give us the enthusiasm to build on our earlier wins."
Inter's summer spending spree brought top quality players including Frenchman Geoffrey Kondogbia, Croatian Ivan Perisic, Brazilians Felipe Melo and Joao Miranda, Montenegran Stevan Jovetic and Bosnian Adem Ljajic to the club.

Mancini said midfielder Melo could make his debut on Sunday, when medical staff will also give defender Miranda a late fitness check.

"I thought Felipe would be less fit because he's only played one match and didn't have a full pre-season with Galatasaray," added Mancini.

"He's been working hard for ten days now so we'll see whether he's involved from the start or not."

- 'game changers' -

Milan notably recruited strikers Carlos Bacca, Luiz Adriano and Mario Balotelli in the off-season, a threat that hasn't escaped Mancini.

"Almost all their players are internationals and they have two dangerous players up front in Luiz Adriano and Carlos Bacca," added Mancini.

"They have a number of players who can change the game."

Earlier, Mihajlovic had offered the first compliment by underlining Inter's quality-packed midfield.
"They changed a lot of players, and it has given them the chance to vary their options and change formations," said Mihajlovic.

"We just have to go with our own game plan and send out a team that gives me the most guarantees and which, in my mind, can produce a certain type of game."

Mihajlovic, meanwhile, continues to leave fans guessing over Balotelli. Any appearance by the on-loan Liverpool misfit will make waves especially as most of the estimated sold-out crowd of 77,000 will be baying for his blood.

Balotelli began his career at Inter under Mancini, followed the coach to Manchester City and, when trouble brewed, he returned to the city but joined Milan for his first spell at the club in January 2013 until June 2014.

A week after saying Balotelli was "three kilogrammes overweight" and would only play once he was "ready", Mihajlovic was giving little away.

"He's lost about 250 grammes so far, roughly in line with what we had expected."
Source: AFP