Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte admits their clash with AC Milan will be decisive in the title race.

The Nerazzurri are top of the table in the second half of the season for the first time since winning the Treble in 2010.

“We are talking about two teams who are basically tied together at the top with little to separate them. That is very satisfying for the city, it means there is a lot at stake, far more than local pride," said Conte in his press conference.

“We must always work with the right determination and enthusiasm, so when the table is like this, you need to be even more motivated and exhilarated.

“The message I gave to the team this week is the same as every week, to give their all, work well and improve. We strive for excellence. Nothing changed from any other week.

“We are working to build something important, to continue the growth process, and are up against a Milan side that deserves its position in the table and is a great team, so we need to be at our best tomorrow.

“The season is incredibly difficult to predict. Many assumed we'd be several points behind going into the derby, because we had Lazio and Fiorentina, while Milan had Crotone and Spezia. Yet we are one point ahead.

“It's a very unpredictable campaign and nothing can be taken for granted. Naturally, every victory improves self-confidence and team morale, gives you more belief, so we just have to take it one game at a time."