AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has warned his teammates that city rival and reigning European and Italian champion Inter Milan is not out of the Serie A title race.
Milan is top of the standings with 26 points following a 1-0 win over Inter in the Milan derby on Sunday and is six points ahead of Inter, in fifth place.
“It is only November and Inter is trying to find its identity under a new coach,” Seedorf told Friday’s Gazzetta dello Sport. “It is easy to criticise a new coach in a team that has won everything.”
Former Inter player Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the only goal of the derby and the loss moved Inter president Massimo Moratti to warn Inter coach Rafael Benitez that he expects a return to form.
“Let’s not forget that Benitez led Liverpool to its first Champions League in years and he is certainly not a poor coach,” Seedorf said. “He just needs to find the right balance for his team.
“We are first, but Inter is the defending champion.”
Milan has not won the title since 2004 and on Saturday meets an improving Fiorentina side at the San Siro.
“Of course success counts,” Seedorf said, “but if we don’t beat Fiorentina, then winning the derby will count for nothing.”
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