Gagliardini targeting derby return

APPIANO GENTILE – Roberto Gagliardini has revealed that he is making good progress with his ankle injury and hopes to be fit in time for the Milan derby on Saturday.

The Italy midfielder has been training separately since twisting his ankle in Inter's recent meeting with Sampdoria.

Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday ahead of Saturday's 12:30 kick-off at the Meazza against AC Milan, the 22-year-old said: “I feel better now and I really want to make it. I did some work on the pitch yesterday. I'm doing everything I can to recover in time.

“We're obviously disappointed because we know our last two results haven't been good but we need to turn that into positive energy now and we're determined to produce a top performance on Saturday.

"We got a few things wrong and came up short in terms of our approach but we have an opportunity to bounce right back. We're angry because a team like Inter can't afford dips in form. We'll go out there set on proving that we've learnt from our mistakes. We know we underperformed and that's why it's especially important that we give blood, sweat and tears in the derby.

“This club should set out to win every game. We have lots of great players here and we're certainly not short of character.

“AC Milan go into the match after a big win and they're in good form. It's sure to be a tough game but they have their weaknesses and we'll focus on attacking them there.

“Our aim is to qualify for Europe. If we're able to do that and finish above AC Milan too, it would obviously be a bonus in terms of local bragging rights.”