The respective coaches of Juventus and Inter Milan are more than aware of which club needs the three points more.
Antonio Conte, the coach of Juventus, assured to the press that Inter Milan will play their hearts out in order to defeat his side when the Italian giants lock horns at the Juventus Arena on Sunday.
Inter are completely out of the title race this season, after a highly disappointing campaign, but Conte insists that the Nerazzurri will be extremely hard nuts to crack nevertheless.
"Inter will play the game of their lives. It is a good way for them to earn back some respect and they will also want to bring an end to our unbeaten record," Conte declared to reporters during a press conference.
"The challenge with Inter is important for the present, but the past doesn't interest me. These are truly fundamental points for us and we expect great support from our home fans."
With AC Milan's 2-1 victory over Roma on Saturday, the Rossoneri increased their lead at the top of the table to seven points, meaning that Conte's side have no choice but to obtain maximum points against Inter.
"All we can do is take one match at a time and always give our 100-percent, then we will see where we end up. We are playing against champions so we must concentrate. I don't see a depressed Inter, so they're certainly not going to come to Turin to act like sacrificial lambs.
"We achieved our first objective which was to reach the Coppa Italia final and eliminating Milan, so we must compliment the guys," concluded the coach.
Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri, the coach of Inter, also admitted the fact that the derby is significantly more important for Juventus than Inter.
Ranieri, who is unlikely to be at the helm next season, understands that the three points are essential for Juventus to remain on the heels of league leaders Milan.
"With a defeat, Juve would see Milan break further away at the top of the table. They are also afraid that Inter might be the first team to beat them this season. It's a derby I know, having been on the other end and realising full well what this game means," stated the 60-year-old.
Due to the importance of Sunday's derby, fans should be treated to a nail-biting contest which could go either way.
Inter are completely out of the title race this season, after a highly disappointing campaign, but Conte insists that the Nerazzurri will be extremely hard nuts to crack nevertheless.
"Inter will play the game of their lives. It is a good way for them to earn back some respect and they will also want to bring an end to our unbeaten record," Conte declared to reporters during a press conference.
"The challenge with Inter is important for the present, but the past doesn't interest me. These are truly fundamental points for us and we expect great support from our home fans."
With AC Milan's 2-1 victory over Roma on Saturday, the Rossoneri increased their lead at the top of the table to seven points, meaning that Conte's side have no choice but to obtain maximum points against Inter.
"All we can do is take one match at a time and always give our 100-percent, then we will see where we end up. We are playing against champions so we must concentrate. I don't see a depressed Inter, so they're certainly not going to come to Turin to act like sacrificial lambs.
"We achieved our first objective which was to reach the Coppa Italia final and eliminating Milan, so we must compliment the guys," concluded the coach.
Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri, the coach of Inter, also admitted the fact that the derby is significantly more important for Juventus than Inter.
Ranieri, who is unlikely to be at the helm next season, understands that the three points are essential for Juventus to remain on the heels of league leaders Milan.
"With a defeat, Juve would see Milan break further away at the top of the table. They are also afraid that Inter might be the first team to beat them this season. It's a derby I know, having been on the other end and realising full well what this game means," stated the 60-year-old.
Due to the importance of Sunday's derby, fans should be treated to a nail-biting contest which could go either way.
