Inter’s Claudio Ranieri plays down idea of revenge against Juventus in Derby d’Italia
The 60-year-old is focused solely on pitch matters and claims he holds no grudges for the way he was ousted by the Bianconeri when he was in command in Turin
The Italian will confront his past on Saturday night as he coached Juventus between 2007 and 2009 before being sacked, despite finishing second during the 2008-09 campaign.
However, Ranieri insists that he will treat the upcoming encounter like any other game.
"For me it will be the usual match. It's worth three important points, nothing more," Ranieri said during a press conference.
"Just because they [Juventus] were my former club does not change anything on an emotional level.
"For me it's just an important game but Juventus will be feeling it stronger. They want to become great again and they train hard all week to do so.
"We, on the other hand, started with a handicap, but we want to get back up to speed.
"We will play this game without thinking of the league standings, but I am convinced that we will be up there towards the end of the season," added Ranieri.
"I think we will be able to challenge for the title. We are still developing, but I can see positive signs."