Milan boss Ruben Amorim relishing 'special match' against rivals Inter

Coach Ruben Amorim believes the Milan derby against Inter on Saturday will be a "special match" as he looks to bounce back from AC Milan's first league defeat of the season.

Milan went down 4-2 at home to Bologna following a second-half collapse in the week and need a result against their city rivals and Serie A leaders if they are to avoid being cut adrift already.

The gap between the teams will stretch to 10 points should Amorim's side lose and the manager is more than aware of the magnitude of the fixture.

"It's a special match, a unique rivalry between two great teams from the same city who share the same stadium," he said. "We know how important this fixture is, and we have a responsibility to win.

"When you play matches like these, the circumstances and fatigue don't matter. You have to step on to the pitch and give it your all and that's exactly what we'll do. Inter is a team that can play with its eyes closed.

"Even when it changes players, it always knows what to do. It has an outstanding ability to read the different phases of a match, thanks to its experience and the many successes it has enjoyed. Inter has plenty of talent, but we're here to fight and we'll be ready.

"We were very angry after Bologna, but today I saw a team completely focused on the derby, fully committed to the technical and tactical work and aware of what it needs to do on the pitch."

Milan were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth in the Europa League last week and their wobble continued into their domestic campaign as Bologna hit them with three second-half goals to come from behind and win.

For champions Inter there are no such concerns and manager Cristian Chivu said he is treating it as just another match as he looks to pull clear of Lazio at the summit.

"We know Milan's quality and we must be ready," he said. "We need to approach this as just another league match, without looking at the standings or focusing on external factors.

"We must be the best version of ourselves. If Inter hasn't won a derby in six or seven meetings, you have to ask yourself some questions.

"We need balance and a high level of motivation; it will require a bit more sacrifice than other matches."