Inter play down importance of Milan derby

(GETTY IMAGES)

Internazionale president Massimo Moratti has played down the importance of Saturday's Milan derby.

Inter face AC Milan in the second round of Serie A matches and Moratti has dismissed suggestions from Rossoneri legend Paolo Maldini that the fixture could be pivotal in the race for the Scudetto.

The defending champions already trail Milan by two points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Bari on the opening weekend.

"If other teams win and Inter don't, you start to think that these other teams are much stronger than you thought," replied Moratti when asked about his side's tentative start to the season.

"From those I have seen play I believe that Milan have done the best, but football is like that and so it is fair that we get the appropriate reaction.

"The challenge of Milan will be great, fantastic. It will be a very important game emotionally, but it won't lead to anything decisive."

Elsewhere, Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has dismissed reports of a swoop on Lazio for unsettled striker Goran Pandev.

The Macedonia international has been linked with a 20million euro move to the Artemio Franchi, but Corvino has revealed that the coffers at the Florence-based club are not brimming with transfer cash.

"We always try to improve our team, but with 10million euros we can't sign certain players," he explained.

"During this transfer market, we have made useful operations without thinking to big names.

"I don't deny that I have a liking for Pandev, but we already have Adrian Mutu and Steven Jovetic in the forward role and we remain like this."