Most Milan soccer fans can endure losing the Serie A title run, but not the derby.
Inter supporters could face the worst plight as crosstown rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan clash in tomorrow's much-anticipated city derby at San Siro stadium.
Inter, trailing Serie A co-leaders AC Milan and Juventus by 11 points after 25 rounds, would definitely give up its title hopes if its unbeaten streak comes to an end against the red-and-black rivals coached by Carlo Ancelotti.
"The derby is that kind of a match we must play well ... with great determination and attention. Also our fans expect this," Inter club owner Massimo Moratti said on Thursday.
Moratti, an oil businessman, has invested huge amounts to sign new players but fallen short of clinching the "Scudetto" (title) that Inter last won in 1989.
Inter coach Roberto Mancini said he was not considering defeat ``although the derby is unpredictable and open to every result.''
He underlined that a win would lift his team within eight points of AC Milan.
"It still would be a huge deficit but with 12 rounds to go to the end of the season and three points per win we still could hope," Mancini said.
Critics were skeptical about Inter's chances to reduce its gap from both the powerful co-leaders.
Juventus, which is tied with AC Milan atop the standings with 54 points, plays lowly Siena in Sunday's action and may take advantage of a draw or a loss by either Milan sides.
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