Zanetti: "The derby's always massive"

MILAN – Javier Zanetti gave an exclusive interview with Mediaset Premium ahead of the 166th Milan derby in Serie A.

"We know what it means to play a derby – it's a massive game,” the vice president began. “Once again the response from the fans has been amazing because the stadium will be packed to the rafters.”

Today's Derby della Madonnina has been dubbed the 'first Chinese derby' following the recent takeover of AC Milan by a Chinese group.

“The ties between Italy and China go beyond sport – they're financial and cultural too,” Zanetti noted. “Hopefully it will be a festival of sport.”

Commenting on the team's preparation for the game and targets for the remainder of the season, the Argentine added: “After the match against Crotone we all realised it was a poor performance and we got straight back to work to start preparing for this derby in the best way possible.

“The Europa League is an important objective for us because we want to be playing in Europe. A lot depends on this game so we're fully focused on this and the other matches we have left to play.

“We've always backed Pioli. We have huge respect for his work and we have to stick together, especially in difficult times like this.”

Meanwhile Mauro Icardi, who has previously found the net against every current Serie A club except AC Milan, is hoping to make the net bulge against the Rossoneri for the first time today.

"Mauro is desperate to score his first goal against AC Milan,” Zanetti admitted. “He's our captain, we believe in him and we hope he and the rest of the team can give us something special to celebrate today.”