AC Milan defender Gianluca Zambrotta has warned his team-mates
they must maintain their concentration to the very end of the game
when they face city and title rivals Inter Milan on Sunday.
The Rossoneri are on top form at the moment having won their
last three games and stand one place and six points behind Inter
with a game in hand.
However, Jose Mourinho's team head Serie A and have yet to be
beaten at home with eight wins and two draws from their 10 league
games at the San Siro.
Their last outing saw Inter recover from two goals down to draw
2-2 at Bari while their last home game produced a thrilling 4-3
victory over Siena despite the Nerazzurri trailing 3-2 with two
minutes to go.
Wesley Sneijder and Walter Samuel turned a potential shock
defeat to the league's bottom team into victory.
Although Zambrotta has been ruled out by injury, he has
underlined the importance of keeping focused until the game has
finished.
He told the the Milan Channel: "Inter are a team that has
recovered games in the 90th minute on more than one occasion and
even managed to win.
"Inter never give up, without forgetting they have players who
can win the match at any moment.''
As well as Zambrotta, Milan forward Alexandre Pato will miss the
derby after failing to shake off a thigh problem.
However, the 32-year-old is hopeful his fellow defender
Alessandro Nesta will have recovered in time and will also choose
to return to the national side ahead of the World Cup in South
Africa.
"Alessandro is having a great season, he's in splendid form.
Let's hope we have him back for the derby,'' Zambrotta added.
"The important thing is that Alessandro continues to play the
way he's doing now until the end of the league.
"Then it will depend on coach Marcello Lippi although I think he
has left the door open for his return.''
As for his own recovery from his calf problem, the Italy
full-back continued: "I am recovering.
"This week I'm working in the gym and doing physiotherapy. I
hope to be available for the Coppa Italia match against
Udinese.
"On Sunday I won't take part against Inter, but the team is
doing well without me.
"I wouldn't want to alter the balance of a team which is doing
very well.
"It's always disappointing to miss matches like the derby but
the positive note is that the team is going through a good moment
of form.
"Milan are in the best possible condition to face the league
leaders.''
His words were echoed by forward Ronaldinho who has struck seven
goals in three games including a hat-trick in last weekend's 4-0
win over Siena.
"I feel loved and respected,'' said Ronaldinho. "This is a
special moment in my career and I want to continue in this
path.
"We know we have to work hard to win the scudetto.
"We have maximum respect for Inter as they have one of the
strongest sides and best coaches in the world.''
Inter boss Mourinho concedes this is not the best time to face
Leonardo's side.
The Portuguese said: "I would have preferred to have played the
derby some other time.
"I have Samuel Eto'o playing at the Africa Cup of nations and
four players out injured.''
Mourinho will be hoping to have midfield trio Thiago Motta,
Sulley Muntari and Dejan Stankovic available.
