Moratti declares Milan as clear derby favourites

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti declared that AC Milan are the rightly termed as the favourites for Sunday's Derby della Madonnina.

Milan head into the derby in the best mood possible as they stunned Barcelona to register a 2-0 win at the San Siro in their Champions League last-16 first leg tie. 

Moreover, they have been impressive of late in the Serie A and have yet to lose this year. The January signing of Mario Balotelli has also boosted their striking options but the 22-year-old did not play a part in Wednesday's Champions League fixture. 

To make matters worse, Inter have only one day of rest less in contrast to their city  rivals as they played their Europa League last-32 fixture on Thursday and will also have to di without striker Diego Milito, the Argentinean having only recently been ruled out for the season with an injury. 

Therefore, Moratti has no problems confessing that Milan can clearly be considered as the favourites for Sunday's Milan derby. The 67-year-old does, however, hold out a small shred of hope that the pressure of the night coupled with some overconfidence on Milan's part could see the Nerrazzurri come away with a win on the night. 

"AC Milan, without a doubt. They're the big favourites. They've just beaten Barcelona," he told Sky Italia.

"We went through in the Europa League but now we have barely any time to prepare for the derby. We all have this weight on our minds.

"I don't think I'm saying anything sarcastically, but just because a team are favourites, it doesn't mean they'll necessarily win.

"We just hope the pressure will get to them. It's crucial the players show physical strength and the right spirit to realise it's a very important match for football, for the two clubs' traditions and for the fans.

"It's a great occasion for everyone in football, however, and so we're looking forward to it, and I think it could be a hard-fought match both for the supporters - who I believe want to watch it in a sporting manner - and the two clubs."

Balotelli will also play against his former side for the first time since leaving them for Manchester City in 2010. Moratti bears no grudges towards the young striker and continues to believe in his potential despite his less than successful stint in Manchester. .

"If I'm honest, it doesn't affect me much [that Balotelli is playing in the derby]," he said. "I love him and I'm happy he's been able to move to big clubs, first Manchester City and now AC Milan."

"It's one thing loving him because I watched him come through at Inter, it's another when he's an opponent, but there'll be no anger there. 

"I saw him wear Manchester City's colours. He's a player who will do well wherever he goes, including AC Milan." 

The previous derby between the two sides ended in a 1-0 win in Inter's favour. The men in black and blue will also be without defender Andrea Ranocchia as he picked up an injury in their Europa League win over Cluj on Thursday. 

Source: Fox Sport