Inter can clinch title by beating AC Milan in derby

The Associated Press ,  Milan   |  Thu, 05/01/2008 9:50 PM  |  Sports

The scene is set for the San Siro on Sunday.

Inter Milan can clinch its third successive Serie A title with a win over rival AC Milan in the city derby. Milan still has something to play for, though - it's two points shy of fourth place and Italy's final qualifying berth for the Champions League.

"In some aspects it reminds me of a Champions League final," Inter president Massimo Moratti said. "It's worth more than the usual derbies because both squads have something important at
stake."

Milan beat Inter in the 2003 Champions League semifinals, then eliminated the Nerazzurri again in the 2005 quarterfinals when the second leg was interrupted by a flare thrown from the stands that hit Milan goalkeeper Dida.

Inter has had the upper hand lately, with Milan winless since Kakha Kaladze scored for the Rossoneri in a 1-0 victory in April 2006.

"These three points are fundamental for us to get into the Champions League," Kaladze said. "We want them at any cost."

With three rounds remaining, Inter leads with 81 points. AS Roma is second with 75, followed by Juventus (70), Fiorentina (60), Milan (58) and Sampdoria (56).

Roma could face a test at Sampdoria, which also still has a chance at fourth place, while Juventus visits mid-table Siena with its hopes of catching Roma fading.

Fiorentina was playing Rangers in the second leg of the UEFA Cup semifinals later Thursday, then faces Cagliari on Sunday.

While Fiorentina struggled to a 2-2 draw with Sampdoria last week, Milan routed last-place Livorno 4-1 with a hat trick from Filippo Inzaghi. (***)

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