Derby upset Inter Milan date

Milan and Inter have differing views on the timing of the Derby della Madonnina, as the Nerazzurri are not happy about it. The head to head at the San Siro clash will be played in Week 5, so in the weekend of September 28, 2008 and the return fixture on February 15, 2009.

"It's better that way, the games will be played in good weather," smiled Rossoneri general manager Adriano Galliani (pictured).

"We've never played the derby in September before, but it's a good environment for this type of game."

Inter agree and are unhappy with the Week 5 th meeting, especially as Milan are in the Uefa Cup. "It's better to play in Week 5 that just before Christmas as last year, but that period is the Champions League," warned the director Ernesto Paolillo.

"The derby was played two days before a game that could well be very important."

Galliani had other concerns, such as the timing of Milan has taken a dramatic title run-in for May. "What worries us is the incredible period of plant closures. You never can tell if this is good or bad for the team, as the end of the chronology of events account for little."

The last four rounds of the Serie A season will be decisive for the Scudetto Milan hopes, as will welcome Juventus on May 10, visit Udinese, then face Roma at San Siro on May 24 and end the campaign in Florence on May 31.

The dates for these accessories are already decided, as the final four rounds are always played simultaneously Sunday afternoon. "The Scudetto has been missing for a little longer, but in the meantime we have won in Europe," added Galliani.

"This year we are putting the title back in the top of our priority list. I will not say no doubt we will win, but we will try to be close to victory." (Channel4)