Milan Skriniar compares the forthcoming Juventus game to a derby

Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar has said that the forthcoming game against Juventus can be considered as a derby as the club seek to maintain their push for the Champions League places. Inter are currently in the third position after 33 games played but they can’t rest on their laurels with just five points separating them from fifth-placed AS Roma.

Speaking to reporters, Skriniar indicated that the upcoming clash against Juventus will have the feeling of a derby, considering the club will be aiming to secure the maximum points, he said: “It is always an important game since we are fighting for the Champions League, and above all this is a game against Juventus. It’s like a derby, a game with a lot of emotions and we have to enter the pitch with the objective to win.”

Inter had the opportunity to extend their gap from the teams outside of the top-four but they failed to do so after only managing a 1-1 draw against AS Roma at the weekend. As such, the Nerazzurri will be hoping to make amends against Juventus, who have already been crowned the champions for the eighth straight league campaign.

Meanwhile, the future of Mauro Icardi remains a topic of discussion, though the Argentine has been permitted to return to the setup. The former captain was sidelined from first-team duties between February and April after a rift with the board over a new contract and reports have indicated that he could be offloaded at the end of the season.

Chelsea and Juventus have been touted as probable destinations for the former Sampdoria man and it is claimed that the Nerazzurri could accept a reduced fee of around £52m when the transfer window reopens. Inter were previously said to demand the player’s entire £86.5m release clause, but they have lowered the valuation amid the recent events at the club.