Inter vs AC Milan: We need to be at our best, says Ancelotti

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted Saturday that his European and world champions will need to play the perfect match on Sunday if they are to topple cross city rivals Inter Milan.

Although Ancelotti's side rule supreme on the continent and across the globe, it is the Italian champions and league leaders Inter who everyone in Italy considers to be the best team in Milan.

They have a 22-point lead over Milan in the standings - although the European champions have three games in hand - and have lost only once in the last season and a half of league encounters.

But Milan are brimming with confidence having lifted the Club World Cup in Tokyo a week ago by beating Argentina's Boca Juniors 4-2 in the final.

"The victory in Japan was very important and was the best way to prepare for this derby in terms of confidence and serenity," said Ancelotti.

"This won't be a final against Inter but it is a vital match in terms of our championship chances.

"We must claw back some points. We need to play a perfect match because they are so strong that if we are not at our best we risk being on the wrong end of a terrible result."

Ancelotti's best hope comes from the fact that Inter are depleted due to a string of midfield injuries, keeping out the likes of Patrick Vieira, Luis Figo and Olivier Dacourt, although that has not stopped them from opening up a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

"Inter currently have some unfortunate problems in central midfield but they still have a great defence and formidable attack," added Ancelotti.

Despite their big lead at the top, Inter coach Roberto Mancini does not want his side to get complacent.

"We're top of the league and we have more to lose than they do," he insisted, even though Milan must win to harbour even the slightest hope of crawling back into the title race.

"It's a derby and so of course it will be a bit different. It's a match between two great clubs and it will be a great show on the field.

"We have the players that can make a difference. Playing a (Milan) derby is important because these are two of the most successful clubs in the world."