Stramaccioni: There are no favourites in the Milan derby

Oct 7, 2012 12:00:00 PM

The young trainer spoke ahead of Sunday's big Serie A clash, saying that the most important thing is to prepare in detail, whilst also praising Philippe Coutinho

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has maintained that there are 'no favourites' in the Derby della Madonnina, given both sides' alterations over the summer.

The Nerazzurri coach masterminded a 4-2 victory over the Rossoneri at the end of last season, but insists that this time around it will be different, although he hopes that his side can prepare in detail.

"Milan are favourites? [It] was a joke. It's hard to believe one of the teams [to be a] favourite, we are only at the seventh day [of the season] and both teams have changed a lot this year," the 36-year-old said in a press conference.

"Training? Inter comes into play always [aiming] to win. The important thing is to prepare for the game in detail and that there is harmony between players and coach.

"[Antonio] Cassano [the key] man [of the] derby? I hope it is a player for the Nerazzurri, if it is he or [Samir] Handanovic, Cassano will interest me to a certain point.

Stramaccioni also spoke about Philippe Coutinho, with the young Brazilian finally making his mark for the 2010 European champions.

He added: "Joking aside, I never had any doubts about his performance. Often we forget that he just turned 20 years old and it is normal to go through a programme of maturing.

"That he is about to marry gives further stability and serenity. It's up to me to put in [help] to do well.

Kick-off at San Siro is at 20:45CET.

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