Ranieri: Inter Are The Team To Beat

Juventus are full of confidence ahead of tomorrow's fiery clash against current champions Inter Milan. Juve are only three points behind Jose Mourinho's leaders in third place and come into the match off the back of seven successive victories in all competitions.

Their last was one of their most impressive - a 4-1 defeat of Genoa who had previously come away from the San Siro with a 0-0 draw against Inter. Juventus have experienced a great turn-around in fortunes since their dismal start to the season, and they are now firing on all cylinders.

Commenting on the upcoming derby D'Italia, coach Claudio Ranieri said, “It is a match that goes beyond the championship. It will be a beautiful game, vibrant, fast and similar to last year's one.

“I certainly won't need to motivate my players. I would pay to win it, even though the league will only be decided in Spring. There is no doubt that we have more to lose. If we lose we go behind by six points.”

Ranieri continued, “We have great motivations, a sense of dedication to the project and players that live for the big matches. Inter is the team to beat but we have made giant steps forward and now we must see the gap that separates us.”

Ranieri then commented on the relationship between him and the Inter coach. “It is Inter – Juve, not Ranieri against Mourinho. In the tunnel I will shake his hand with pleasure, he is well prepared, a Portuguese coach that likes to play like an Italian,” said Ranieri.

The coach ended off by squashing rumours of keeper Gigi Buffon moving to Manchester City. “Let's not joke, Gigi is staying with us, mainly because he is happy here,” concluded Ranieri.