Gattuso offers heart to players ahead of derby
Gennaro Gattuso has said he will tear out his heart and let AC Milan's squad "play keepy-uppy with it", provided they respect the club and show some pride in Monday's (AEDT) derby with Inter Milan.
The Rossoneri are on a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions but still go into the pivotal showdown seven points behind their city rivals, who are fourth on the table.
Having triumphed 2-0 away at Roma last weekend, Milan reached the Coppa Italia final in midweek after overcoming Lazio in a dramatic penalty shootout.
While Inter has struggled of late, winning only twice in its past 11 Serie A outings and dramatically falling out of the title race, Gattuso has warned his players not to get too complacent.
"If we want to think of a [UEFA] Champions League place, then this is like a final," he said.
"The thing I fear the most is the history of the derby, as usually the team that is struggling tends to win. I don't like people saying we are the favourites.
"Coach [Luciano] Spalletti scares me because he is a great manager. He has a lot of experience and is very prepared, so he knows how to face these types of matches.
"We have to be cautious. I fear the idea some could think we're suddenly fantastic and forget where we started from. We've done nothing yet and still need to become a team.
"We've got the potential to do great things, but must not lose that sacrifice for hard work. I will keep smashing them with that, even if they glare at me and can't stand it anymore, I will continue hammering at that nail.
"As long as my players show respect — not for me, but for the locker room, their team-mates and the club — I will tear my heart out of my chest and let them play keepy-uppy with it."
Spalletti has confirmed Inter talisman Mauro Icardi is "more than ready" to face Milan, despite not starting a game since 29 January (AEDT) because of a knee injury.
"Am I worried about Icardi? Absolutely," Gattuso said.
"He is one of the best strikers in the world. He moves in an incredible way, only a few are better than him. He never misses, he is a sniper. We must pay attention to [Antonio] Candreva and [Ivan] Perisic as well."
The return of Icardi, who has 18 league goals this season, comes as a significant boost for Spalletti.
"Icardi is not just ready, he's more than ready," the Inter boss said.
"The derby brings special sensations to those who are strong. The points say we are ahead of Milan and in order to earn those points, we must've put in strong performances.
"The most difficult thing will be to play and take the game to them with our qualities."
Despite Inter's drop in form of late, Spalletti is determined to see out the season with a solid run of form to ensure UEFA Champions League qualification.
"If we want to qualify for the [UEFA] Champions League, we can't wait or allow slip-ups," he said.
"It's time to take responsibility. That period of ups and downs that happens to everyone is no longer allowed.
"I'll go and ask the players to show their ruthless face from now on. If we think too much about what comes later, we'll lose sight of the present."
